James Thompson

I was privileged to join Falmouth School of Art in 1986 as one of less than three hundred students, the last year before a government process of amalgamation and expansion culminated in the establishment of the vastly bigger institution that forms the Falmouth University of today.  Continuing on to study printmaking at Wimbledon School Art (now part of University of the Arts London), I received my MA in 1994.

Experiencing mysterious lethargy and anxiety problems, an art career did not materialise.  Then, in 2013, a blood test revealing elevated iron levels led to my diagnosis with Genetic Haemochromatosis.  My iron level was returned to normal after the weekly removal of a unit of blood for a total of 22 weeks (2 bodies full!).

As well as volunteering in my role of Administrator at Guildford Arts I am an Ambassador for Outside In, a charity that supports artists who face significant barriers to the art world.  In 2022 all Outside In Ambassadors were awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in the late queen's final year of awards.

Art is like science; a serious pursuit founded on play.  Play with materials and ideas that leads to exciting discoveries.