Biography - John Renshaw

Taught full-time in a secondary school and part-time in Adult Education (1972 – 1975) including occasional drawing workshops for The Embroiderers Guild & Cheshire Textile Group. In 1975 began an 11-year involvement with post ‘A’ Level Foundation Art and Design education, firstly as a lecturer at Stockport College of Further and Higher Education and subsequently (from 1981 to 1986) as lecturer in charge of Foundation Studies at Cheshire School of Art & Design, Mid-Cheshire College, Northwich. In addition, from 1981, began a collaboration with Cheshire Education Services as tutor on ‘In service’  courses for primary and secondary school teachers, plus school based workshops for pupils (primary, secondary, special needs). Served as a tutor on 6th form residential art courses, and cultural study tours in Italy, teachers’ courses in Italy, Paris and New York, contributed to in-service courses for a number of education authorities, and on National D.E.S. courses in Art & Design education.   

Completed a Department of Education and Science Teacher Fellowship in Art Education with Chester College & Cheshire Education Services: 1986 – 87 and joined the full time staff of Chester College in 1987, maintaining undergraduate and postgraduate teaching responsibilities in both Fine Art & Art Education until 1998. This included working with M.Ed students in Hong Kong. In 1997,  consolidation of further educational links were established through a visit to Soweto College and Johannesburg Department of Education with Dr. Peter Harrop  ( in collaboration with Ward Blenkinsop Trust & Cheshire Education Services ) involving a  Lecture / Seminar presentation - ‘ Redress , Access , Equity ‘ - transforming the Arts in South Africa  hosted by Johannesburg Art Gallery.

During the period, 1995 to 1998,( and in collaboration with Cheshire Education Services ), directed ‘The Art Education Agency’ ( which provided short INSET courses and included a validated programme of study for teachers of Art at Key Stages 1 & 2 of the National Curriculum and school based workshops involving both pupils and teachers ).
Between 1992 and 2003, directed a number of large scale community mural projects. These included: A mural for Refuge Assurance connected with commercial / social & spiritual life of Chester City (in collaboration with Chester City Council and involving school pupils & teachers, business, and University of Chester).  Mural connected to the regeneration of local site (The Old Port, Chester) – Chester City Council. Mural for Chester City 2000 Heritage & Architecture (sponsors Chester City Council & Marks & Spencer plc.). Coordinator for student commissions for Chester Cathedral visitors centre and Browns of Chester (Debenhams).
 
Currently acting Head of Fine Art, and tutor with particular responsibilities for Painting and Drawing. Has served as a visiting tutor at Manchester Metropolitan University, Department of Textiles & Fashion (drawing) *, The Royal Academy Schools, London (painting) and was a visiting Artist at Plattsburgh - State University of New York in April 2003
* see Springall D. Inspired to Stitch – 21 Textile Artists. ( pp. 180, 183, 235 )  AC Black Publishers London 2005. ISBN 10: 07136-6986-1 

2006 – to present: Acting Head of Fine Art
2005 – 2006: Deputy Head of Art & Design.
1999- 2005: Senior Lecturer in Painting and Programme Leader BA (Hons) Fine Art, University of Chester.
1987-1998: Senior Lecturer in Painting and Art Education, Chester College
1986-1987: D.E.S. Teacher Fellowship in Art Education – Chester College / Cheshire Education Services.
1981-1986: Tutor in charge of Foundation Studies, Cheshire School of Art & Design, Northwich.
1975-1981: Lecturer in Foundation Studies: Stockport College of Further & Higher Education
1972-1975: Art Teacher / Head of Art: Broken Cross Secondary School, Macclesfield, Cheshire
1968-1972: Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies at Manchester College of Art (now M.M.U.)