School pays tribute to former art teacher

Robert ‘Bob’ Paisley was Head of Art Design at the school from 1969 until 1990.

A former pupil of Ballyclare High, Bob taught at Stranmillis College and Antrim Secondary School before spending four years teaching in Australia.

On returning to the UK, he then took up the post at Carrickfergus Grammar.

In a statement, the board of governors at the North Road school said they were “saddened” to learn of the death of their much respected former colleague.

“Bob was the driving force in setting up a thriving Art and Design department alongside his then junior, Marcella Lively,” the statement continued.

“Bob worked tirelessly to ensure that the most up-to-date facilities were available for his pupils to enjoy the full range of artistic expression, including dark rooms for photography and wheel and kilns for ceramics.

“He encouraged and influenced hundreds of students, many of whom went on to enjoy successful careers in the visual arts.”

Current principal, Kieran Mulvenna said: “Bob was a committed professional educator whom many former pupils will remember with fondness and gratitude, but above all he was one of nature’s gentlemen with a ready smile and a helping hand for anyone who needed it.”