Robert Orme – a Latymer Legend

Latymer’s school community was deeply saddened by the news that we had lost one of the School’s most cherished former teachers, the legendary Robert Orme. Having taught History and History of Art from 1967-2014, as well as being an inimitable cricket coach, Robert has inspired thousands of our Latymerian alumni.

Robert’s enquiring mind, his constant support for Latymer, the wonderful online lectures he treated us to in recent years, and his boundless curiosity made him practise what he had preached over the many years he taught at Latymer; the importance of keeping an open mind, never to stop learning. The impact he had on all those he taught, either in the classroom with his famous slide projector, or up at Wood Lane during the cricket season, can’t be underestimated. It was somehow all the more moving to learn that we had lost him just as we started Activities Week; for those who joined Robert on his famous Grosmont trip – and there must be hundreds of alumni who did – they will remember the freedom (perhaps anarchy is not too strong a word!) of those re-enacted battles on the ramparts of the abandoned castle, along with the treasure hunts, bonfires and late-night ghost stories.

It was not only students who were influenced by Robert’s teaching; former parents of Latymerians also enjoyed his evening classes and his brilliant history of art trips abroad, all of which gave them a wonderful insight into this extraordinary teacher’s unique methods of inspiring his pupils, whatever their age, into wanting to learn more. His impact was felt on colleagues too, many of whom he inspired – and some of whom attempted to adapt their own pedagogy from his brilliant example. He taught them so much, too.

After retirement in 2014, Robert continued to support Latymer by presenting online lectures on various Art Masters, from Bosch to Michelangelo. He never stopped learning and was working on the second draft of a book about the forgotten artist, Albert Wainwright at the time of his death. Former parent Tony Laryea, who was helping him on the project, hopes to finish the book in tribute to Robert.

Latymer is a family, and never more so than for Robert who had dedicated so many years to us all. We are planning a celebration of his life for the Autumn term so that we can remember this most remarkable man together, details of which will be shared later this year. Since the announcement of Robert’s death, we have received many wonderful messages and memories from our alumni, current and past staff and parents which all pertain to his extraordinary career. We are opening a virtual book of condolence for our Latymer community to share, which will be available to view later in the Autumn term. If you have memories of Robert to share, we’d love to hear them – click here to contribute

Author: Sohni Malde