Old Novo Helps Preserve RGS History

THANKS TO A GENEROUS DONATION FROM DAVID MOLE (ON 56–61), THE SCHOOL’S PORTRAIT OF VICE-ADMIRAL LORD CUTHBERT COLLINGWOOD HAS UNDERGONE CONSERVATION, RETURNING ONE OF RGS’S MOST RECOGNISABLE HISTORIC WORKS TO ITS FORMER GLORY.

The restoration follows a professional assessment two years ago, which found that the painting had accumulated surface grime, suffered minor damage, and that its canvas had slackened over time.  

Conservators took the painting away to clean and repair the work, ensuring it remains in good condition for generations to come. Historic pieces such as this require continual care, and the project forms part of the school’s wider commitment to preserving its artistic and cultural heritage. 

Collingwood’s portrait has long held pride of place as the first painting to be displayed on the Hall’s East Wall.  

Though a copy of artist Charles Lonsdale’s original (which hangs in Newcastle’s Mansion House), our version has its own distinguished story. It was painted by Harry Fogan (ON 1877–1933) and gifted to the school in 1911. Its frame, which was beautifully hand‑carved by the school’s former woodwork master Mr Appleby, remains a testament to RGS craftsmanship. 

For David, supporting the restoration was as personal as it was pragmatic. "He was that grubby old man on the wall," he joked, "and he deserved to look better. I remember looking at him when I was at school - he was grubby even then, there was no smokeless fuel in those days! I think he looks great now. The blue of his coat is so vivid." 

With characteristic dry humour, he also corrected a common misconception: "Collingwood won the Battle of Trafalgar, not Nelson - Nelson was dead! He was brown bread! This is the boy." 

David’s support for the school runs far deeper than a fondness for Collingwood. In 2023, he funded the creation and installation of new memorial panels on the Sutherland organ, ensuring 17 previously unrecorded fallen Old Novos were properly commemorated. 

"That was another thing I wanted to do,” he reflected. "I lost my father in the war and never knew him, so it is close to my heart. Their names deserve to be there and to be remembered.” 

David's long career in the Merchant Navy shaped both his perspective and his sense of duty. 

Like many ONs, David recalled spending time reading the inscription on the Hall organ: 'Dulce et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori'. 

"Second form Latin homework was to translate the organ! I used to read it and think 'Yeah. OK' but since I’ve been out in life, I don’t always agree with it. The Dulce bit we can do without - there’s nothing sweet about war. Decorum, I will go with." 

David is also a proud member of the 1525 Club, supporting the school’s quincentenary celebrations. Donors who contribute £1,525 between 2024 and 2026 will be recognised with a book on the commemorative bookshelf in an enduring mark of gratitude. 

Reflecting on his connection to RGS, David remains characteristically modest: "RGS is a great institution. It’s done wonders for me and for a lot of other people. I’m just a tiny little tooth, on a little cog, in a big wheel, but I can look back and say I had two Lords in my class at RGS - Kirkhope and Beecham!" 

If you would like to find out more about joining the 1525 Club, or funding heritage and capital projects at RGS, please click here to email the Development Team.