Our 50th anniversary celebration held recently was remarkable for the attendance of so many people associated with the school over that many years.  Past teachers, students from earlier years and friends and associates of the late Tom Bass AM (1916-2010) came from near and far. They mingled and reconnected, sharing stories and anecdotes from earlier years. Many remember Tom’s first school premises which started in a Broadway loft in 1974, transitioning to the Erskineville warehouse space in 1998.

The celebration was marked by a special exhibition curated by Wendy Black. The exhibition featured a beautiful selection of Tom’s sculpture pieces, reflecting the scale and breadth of his artistic achievement. Alongside Tom’s sculptures were the works of alumni, teachers and students evincing the ongoing contribution of the school to the creative community.  We are proud that many of our past students have gone on to establish themselves as practising sculptors.  TBSSS would like to thank all those who so generously contributed their work for the occasion, as well as the organising committee and volunteers who worked so hard to put this special event together.

The event was certainly a fitting tribute to the history and value of the school.

To quote Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney Clover Moore AM’s congratulatory letter, ‘The school has created a rich and diverse community that ripples outward providing a place for learning, creativity and expression.’

We are certainly proud to be marking a wonderful milestone of 50 years of quality tuition and inspiration to thousands of students since those humble beginnings in 1974.

You can download the exhibition catalogue here.  A selection of Tom’s sculptures remain on show in our Gallery until 9 August.

Special thanks to our event sponsor Ester Spirits.

Pictured above, official photos from the exhibition and event. You can view more here.