Dawson, David

David Dawson

Dates at Bournemouth School: 1958 - 1965
House: Romsey
  • CCF Cadet

David today

David studied: Geography, History and English
David received the following accolades whilst at school:
  • Acting Petty Officer

After school, David went to: University of Leicester

David's biography:

Pursued my ambition to be a museum archaeologist by filling posts of Assistant Curator and Curator of Archaeology at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and ultimately County Museums Officer for Somerset.

Elected a FSA and FMA along the way. Carried on with projects and publishing after retirement (still at it). Gave me an opportunity to work with a fascinating variety of people and get involved in unbelievable projects such as the Bristol Mummy Project.

What was best about David's time at Bournemouth School?

The breadth of education offered.

Who does David remember most fondly?

RDF Williams and his sessions on encouraging us to think critically; Bernard Walker and his getting us to understand and appreciate art and architecture; the support the headmaster, Bennett, gave me in my eccentric choice of career (archaeology).
Fellow students like John Dearing and Anthony Bennett.

What is David's favourite anecdote/most vivid memory?

Leonardo Pettoello’s jaunts – to Aida at the Baths of Caracalla, to Pompeii via the back door by the Villa of the Mysteries, a visit with Mr Lavender at the Red House Museum, Christchurch, on the back of his vespa.

David's final thoughts

It was a different world but the aim of the school must remain the same.