Partnerships

The local creative arts group, the Norfolk Contemporary Art Society ( ncas ), celebrates its 70 th anniversary this year and boasts an illustrious pedigree. We have been delighted to host their series of public arts talks for over seven years, during which many prestigious names have graced the Blake Studio. Their talk on 21 May was no exception. Our speaker was the celebrated sculptor, Richard Wentworth CBE. Now approaching his 80 th year, he presented a fascinating and deeply personal perspective on his life and his distinctive and highly regarded body of work. It was delivered with a healthy dose of irreverence and old school charm, together with some compelling images. His work specialises in turning mundane objects such as books, buckets, chains and shoes into something special and unusual, making the everyday into meaningful artworks that stir the creative soul. After his talk, he was interviewed by our very own Andy Campbell from the school’s 3D Art and Design Department and by Simon Willmoth, curator, art historian and research Professor at Norwich University of the Arts, both of whom had worked closely with Richard. A sizeable audience of ncas members, staff, pupils, parents and Norwich creatives enjoyed interacting with the speaker and presenters over refreshments. Richard commented on how vibrant the local creative arts scene appeared to be, mirroring one of the key strengths highlighted in annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, which, this year, saw Norwich named as the best place to live in the UK. See: Norwich Named The Sunday Times Best Place to Live in the UK 2026 . Norwich School and ncas are delighted to continue playing their part in this success.

Norwich School has enjoyed a treasured relationship with the highly respected Norfolk Cambridge Society, and we have played a key role hosting their 26-lecture series on site. The latest Norfolk Cambridge Society public lecture took place at Norwich School on 14 May 2026, delivered by Professor Robin Franklin, FRS, Honorary Professor of Stem Cell Biology at the University of Cambridge. He is a leading stem cell scientist and multi-award-winning regeneration biologist. Professor Franklin's topic was Brains, Stem Cells and Growing Old - Reversing the Ravages of Time, in which he discussed neuro-degenerative diseases and how brain cells are progressively lost as we grow older - a major factor in age-related cognitive decline. Before the 1980s, scientists understood that the brain could not regenerate, as it lacked the stem cells required for the production of new cells. Coherently and with great humour, Professor Franklin explained why he believes that future developments in this field are hugely promising, being at the forefront of scientific innovation that he and his team at Cambridge University are working on. It was a beautifully illustrated lecture and a masterclass in clarity and intellectual stimulation. There was not a free seat in the house. A very interesting Q&A discussion was led by acclaimed local neurology researcher and leading authority on Multiple Sclerosis, Professor Charles ffrench-Constant, who had worked with Professor Franklin. Discussions continued during drinks in the refectory afterwards. The Norfolk Cambridge Society has a simply stellar line-up of future talks ahead, with the next one taking place on 17 September 2026: " A Conversation with Ed Balls " - an interview with TV personality and former high-ranking politician Ed Balls in conversation with Phil Webster, former Political Editor of The Times. Tickets available : HERE . All are welcome. Our thanks go to the dynamic NCS for putting on such a compelling series of talks. Finally, please have a flick through our publication: At Close Quarters Trinity Term 2026 to see our full programme of exciting, cultural events taking place in and around Cathedral Close this term.