100 Years Later: The Ashes at Old Buckenham Hall

This year Old Buckenham Hall School, Suffolk, is celebrating the centenary of the historic Ashes Test which took place at the school in 1921. The pandemic has caused OBH to postpone the centenary exhibition match until 2022 when they celebrate their 160^th anniversary.

OBH has received this beautiful print from ex England Cricketer and renowned artist, Jack Russell, who painted the evocative scene in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.

Jack Russell made his debut in first-class cricket for Gloucestershire in 1981 at the age of 17 when still at school. He made his England debut in 1987, playing in 94 International matches before retiring from the national team in 1998. Russell was awarded an MBE for services to cricket in HM Queen’s Birthday Honours 1996.

David Griffiths, the Headmaster at Old Buckenham Hall said, ‘The 1921 unofficial Ashes test has long been in the folklore of Old Buckenham Hall. The match still resonates with children at OBH as the Thatched Pavilion used in 1921 remains the pavilion for our First XI wicket.

‘The school sports days of the 21^st century are another reminder as many parents bring in their classic cars. This is a reflection of photographs of the match with spectators gathered around the boundary; many of them standing on their bumpers to get a view.

‘This beautiful painting by Jack Russell is a fitting celebration of the legendary event. It will serve as a reminder for all children at OBH for another hundred years.’

The school will be auctioning 6 limited edition giclée prints of Russell’s work in a silent auction, which closes May 30^th.

See Old Buckenham Hall’s listing here.