Old Portmuthians (OPs) are former pupils of Portsmouth Grammar School (PGS). Over several years the school has published a series of articles and monographs dedicated to the lives of OPs and have kindly given History in Portsmouth permission to publish extended links to the original articles. The dates provided indicate the period that the subjects attended the school. 'Opus' is the title of the Old Portmuthian magazine.
The Old Portmuthian biographies are for:-
John Aitchison - (1977-1984)
BAFTA award winning wildlife photographer whose work has been seen on such acclaimed programmes as Yellowstone, South Pacific and Frozen Planet. This article reports on a packed lecture at PGS in November 2012.
Article written by Alasdair Akass and first published in Opus in 2013.
Mike Barnard - (1945-1951)
Professional Cricketer and Footballer who played for Hampshire Cricket Club and Portsmouth FC.
Article written by Dave Allen and first published as a Portsmouth Grammar School monograph in 2013.
John Barron - (1935-1936)
Actor best known for his portrayal of CJ in The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
Article written by John Sadden and first published in Opus in 2013.
Roger Black
Athlete. 400 metre runner who represented England between 1992 and 1986.
Interview by PGS pupils. Article first published in Opus, 2011
James Bobin
Film Director with credits for The Muppets, Da Ali G Show and Flight of the Conchords.
Article written by Alasdair Akass, first published in Opus in 2012
Samantha Bosshardt
Ballet dancer who studied at the London Studio Centre and went on to peform with the Vienna Festival Ballet.
Article from The News, written by Chris Owen, published in May 2013
Alan Bristow
Founder of the Bristow Helicopter company
Article written by John Sadden and published in The News in April 2013
Kenneth Budden
Worked on the development of RADAR with Robert Watson-Watt
Article written by John Sadden first appeared in Opus in Spring 2011
James Clavell - (1931-1939)
Author and film writer-director-producer, best known for "King Rat", "Taipan", "Noble House" and "Shogun"
Article written by Alasdair Akass for the Autumn 2011 edition of Opus
Rick Edwards (1995)
Channel 4 presenter
Article written by Alasdair Akass and first published in Opus (Spring 2010)
Simon Gray - (1945-1947)
Novelist and Playwright
Article written by John Sadden and first appeared in the Portsmouth Festivities programme.
Norman Holbrook VC
WW1 Submarine Commander who won a Victoria Cross for action in the Dardanelles.
Article written by John Sadden for The News.
Roy Horniman - (1883-1885)
Actor, playwright and pioneering campaigner
Article written by John Sadden for Opus.
Albert Pollard
Historian of the Tudor Period
Article written by Dr Alan Kittermaster and appearing in the Autumn 2012 edition of Opus.
Michael Ripper
"The most half-recognised British actor of all time"
Article written by John Sadden and appearing in the Autumn 2010 edition of Opus.
William Shakespear - (1888 - 1893)
Soldier and Adventurer in the Middle and Far East
Article written by John Sadden and appearing in the Spring 2010 edition of Opus.
Stephen Weeks
Film Director and author
Article written by John Sadden and appearing in the Autumn 2012 edition of Opus.
Percy Westerman
Children's author
Article written by John Sadden for Opus.
Sir Arthur Young
Policeman
Article written by John Sadden and appearing in the Autumn 2012 edition of Opus.
