Andrew Brown was appointed to Westminster in January 1977. He came from Uppingham School with his wife Jane, Molly then four and half and William six months. Andrew joined David Custance in the Biology Department and took over the department. when David became Director of Studies in the 1980s. Another David took another Brown into Liddell's as a house tutor, and there Andrew remained until David and Tess left Westminster. Tim Francis then took Andrew into Dryden's where he is still a tutor with Mark Tocknell.
Andrew admits that he hates all ball games "having never been taught"! His station history began by replacing Michael Hugill as master-in-charge of Leisure Swimming. Then came a move up the ladder when Stewart Murray put him in charge of Team Swimming. Expeditions have always been part of Andrew's Westminster makeup. The list of places includes the Yorkshire Dales, Isle of Wight, Swanage and Alston, but the highlight must have been in the summer of 1985 when Andrew joined the Westminster Alaska Expedition spending six and a half weeks in the wilderness. Andrew's contribution both financially and creatively was centred on his talent as a botanical illustrator. Sales of his paintings raised money towards the cost of the venture, and studies done of the Flora of the Brooks Range were not only enjoyed at Westminster, but later appeared at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Pittsburgh, U.S.A.
In the Election Term of 1988 Andrew took a sabbatical - time to paint both here and abroad and time perhaps to think about his future role at Westminster. He had decided not to take the path offered by David Summerscale of becoming a housemaster - that role was not for him, and he had his family to consider. He did retum from that sabbatical (some don't) and with Jane working full-time, William at the Under School and Molly here, he settled back into the routine of the school.
During the next thirteen years, the pleasure Andrew has derived from his success as an artist, and the successes of his children, both professional and personal, has been mixed with the sadness of Jane's illness and subsequent death in 1999. The stark reality of her loss still tugs at the emotions. Her life was a perfect compliment to Andrew's: both their characters are seen in both their children, but what we miss is that brand of New England wisdom and wit which Jane brought to every situation.
Recently, as we talked about his stint of 25 years at Westminster, he said "you won't have much to write". Well - there is. During his jubilee of teaching, his department has grown, PSE has been introduced, the role of the form teacher and tutor has been strengthened; Andrew has played his part in all of these developments, and the swimming team competes and wins against other schools. He strives for high standards, a good working relationship with his pupils, and sets himself against 'quick results' and the 'straitjacket' of the new exam system (Andrew's words). In his family life Andrew gives us a prime example of how to make a marriage work and, to use a word I am sure he hates, how to make a success of parenting. He has borne his griefs and triumphs privately, supported by a strong religious belief. He came to Westminster in faith, he emerged from Jane's death stronger in faith, and now in faith he leaves - reassured that the next step is the right one.
That step is to expand himself as an artist. I have read somewhere that Andrew believes his talent is derived from both his grandfathers who were capable draftsmen, and he has told me that his close observation of plants is a form of meditation for him. The results of this talented meditation can not only be seen in frames on walls but also in books and collections both here and in the States. Eight of his illustrations are held in the archive of the Chelsea Physic Garden (he is first Fellow of the Chelsea Physic Garden Florilegium Society) and more are held in the Hunt Institute. His pictures hang on the walls of the school and in the homes of many of us. And now he leaves us festooned with medals from the Royal Horticultural Society, his children established and excitement ahead.
Andrew the friend? For twenty-five years he has been a friend to many, all shades of the community from the youngest to oldest have had the benefit of his integrity, his reliability, his wisdom and his love. And, when the Westminster knot is cut, his support continues. Godspeed: we shall miss him.
Christopher Clarke