Response by the Headmaster on the occasion of the inauguration of the plaque in memory of Lawrence of Arabia by Winston Churchill, 3 October 1936
‘Mr President, Madam Mayor, Mr. Pro Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Winston Churchill, Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is my proud and pleasant duty to accept on behalf of the School the plaque which Mr. Winston Churchill has just un-veiled. The plaque, as some of us have already seen, is a splendid example of the skill of Lawrence’s friend and collaborator, Mr. Eric Kennington. The artist has succeeded admirably in his dual purpose. He has given us a striking and sympathetic portrait of Lawrence himself and in the surround he has symbolized his many activities and achievements. At the corners are four medieval castles; at the top his dagger, Arab head-rope, and speed-boat; at the bottom books and his cottage, Cloud’s Hill, to which he hoped to retire; at the sides his studies – Chartres, English and Early Greek, and Ishtar of the Hittites whose remains he excavated.
By the courteous invitation of Bodley’s Librarian a small Exhibition of Lawrence relics is on view at the Bodleian Library to-day for the benefit of the visitors to this ceremony and of others connected with the School. Among the exhibits are the original manuscripts of The Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
The School has gained additional fame from the fact that Thomas Edward Lawrence received his education here during a period of in years under the headmastership of the late Mr. A. W. Cave. His four brothers were also educated here, and the Lawrence Brothers’ Memorial Exhibition will not only keep that fame vivid in the minds of past, present, and future members of the School but it will confer a lasting benefit on a long succession of promising scholars. The first Exhibitioner, W. L. E. Woodage, will begin his residence at Jesus College next week. The foundation of this Exhibition is an expression of the gratitude that Mrs. Lawrence and her two surviving sons feel for the School and particularly for Mr. Cave. T. E. Lawrence had genius, but I am sure they will agree with me when I say that it was Mr. Cave’s sympathy and understanding which allowed it a freedom of development which would have been impossible at most other schools. My own connexion with the School extends over 31 years and I was able to see this for myself.
This plaque will prove to us who are privileged to work here a continual reminder of the modesty, resolution, and courage of the uncrowned King of Arabia, and it is with a sense of deep admiration for his life and work that I wish to express to all who are associated with the erection of this most fitting memorial the profound gratitude of the whole School, masters and boys, past and present.’