Neil Jackson
House and Years at Fettes:
Glencorse 1965 - 1969
Qualifications & Career:
Dip Arch, MA, PhD, RIBA, FSA
I currently, and have since 2005, hold a Chair in Architecture at the University of Liverpool. Previously I was the Hoffman Wood Professor of Architectural Engineering at the University of Leeds (2000-2005). I have taught Architecture at the University of Nottingham (1990-2000); at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California (1985-1990); at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas (1983-1984); and at the Polytechnic of the South Bank, London (1980-85).
I have published seven books on British and American architecture and currently hold a Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship for the study of Japanese architecture.
What is your most cherished memory from your time at Fettes?
The College building itself. It inspired me to look at architecture.
And your least?
Having the fortnightly class results put on the school noticeboard and seeing my name always at the bottom of the list.
What event or personality left a lasting impression on you?
The pipe band. At Fettes I learned to play the bagpipes and I still play them, although no doubt badly. They have been, over the years, a great asset and introduction.
Were you a conscientious student?
I like to think so. I certainly was in the second year of the 6th Form when Mike Gill, the Art teacher, was so inspiring. I would have him set me essays on art history to research and write.
Outside the classroom, how did you spend your free time at Fettes?
Band practice always took up a lot of time. But I was a keen photographer, using the dark room in the basement of College to develop and print photographs.
