The persistence of character: Sir Alec Clegg

Sir Alec Clegg (1909 - 1986) was the Chief Education Officer for the West Riding of Yorkshire 1949-1974. Throughout his time in post the underpinning ideologies of individuals as agents of change, reform of educational environments and the value of the arts to the curriculum for every child were key cornerstones. As an educational pioneer Sir Alec Clegg’s legacy is vast. Underpinning his leadership is his work as a thorough and exceptional educational administrator which allowed his character to be manifest, shared and learnt from.

Using personal papers of Sir Alec Clegg coupled with storied life narratives from individuals who worked with him. The research explores what can be learnt from his leadership to bring art and design education and pedagogical development to the forefront within the new political landscape. In exploring Clegg’s leadership through the eyes of others, much is revealed in relation to personal contribution, leadership and navigation of purpose.

At a time of rapidly changing educational landscapes much can be learned from the individual contributions and impactful of Clegg. The paper synthesizes the positive attributes and impact of successful leadership within the context of the creative sector.