Dr John George Taylor, Headmaster Sir Walter St.John's School, 1939

Dr John George Taylor (1871-1942) was the Headmaster of the Sir Walter St.John School in Battersea. He was the third generation of headmasters at the school, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

The school had been founded and endowed in 1700 by Sir Walter St.John 3rd Baronet, to teach twenty poor boys of the parish. Sir Walter held the Manors of both Battersea and Lydiard Tregoze and the shared history between the two manors is extensive. Close contact between those interested in that history was maintained until the end of the 20th century.

Lydiard's connection with Battersea was upheld by the appointment in 1983 of Dr John Taylor's son, Dr Arnold Taylor, as President of the Friends of Lydiard Tregoze (now the Friends of Lydiard Park). This followed the retirement of another member of the school's staff, Mr Frank Smallwood, who co-founded The Friends with Revd. Brian Carne in 1967.

This portrait formerly hung at the school along with two portraits of Sir Walter St.John and one of Lady Joanna St.John, all four of which are on display at Lydiard House.

It is hoped that the launch of these archives will revive interest in the shared history of Lydiard Tregoze and Battersea.

Portrait Details

Oil on Canvas

H125 X W100cm

Donated in 1988