H 1938-1944
It is with much sadness that we write to inform you of the death of Charles Cottell (Haywardsfield 1938 -1944) at the age of 94
Charles went to Wycliffe at the age of 12 following in the footsteps of his elder brother Fred (Springfield 1935 -1939). Charles initially boarded in Cambray before moving to Haywardsfield. However, this move was short lived as the College soon moved to Lampeter where Charles spent the rest of his school days. He thoroughly enjoyed his time at school, demonstrating a true love of learning, academia and a wide range of outdoor pursuits. He rose to be a School Prefect and Head of Haywardsfield. On applying to Oxford University, he was offered a scholarship to read History. However, one of his Wycliffe masters, who was also a graphologist, suggested that with his artistic nature and other abilities he might find a more fulfilling career in Architecture.
On leaving Wycliffe, Charles went to enlist for military service only to find that he had in fact had polio during his time at school. This was a complete surprise to Charles and his family, as a lengthy illness had been understood to be rheumatic fever. This did however explain the physical affects that impacted him throughout the rest of his life.
In 1944 Charles joined the Oxford School of Architecture and seven years later was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects. While studying architecture, his skills as an artist (particularly in water colours) were recognised and he was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy which he attended in 1950/51.
Charles worked initially in the Architects Department for Gloucestershire County Council and then moved to a private practice in Oxford. This was followed by a period working for the Oxford Regional Hospital Board before a move to the Oxford County Architects Department in 1967. Charles headed a team of talented architects and technicians and developed an excellent understanding of the huge range of legislation in the building industry, building techniques and liaison across all the county departments. A former colleague described Charles’ management style as “encouraging, kind and professional whilst being even tempered and very supportive”.
Charles was appointed County Architect for Oxfordshire and contributed to the design and construction of many public buildings in the county before retiring in 1990.
Charles married Susie in 1955 and they had three children Clare, Julian and Ruth. In retirement Charles developed an expertise in Medieval Architecture, leading tours of the Oxford Medieval Arts Group around Europe. He also took up painting again which brought both him and his family enormous pleasure.
Charles was a devoted family man who enjoyed nothing more than meeting up with friends and family. He always recalled with great pleasure his time at Wycliffe and was described by many as both a gentle man and a Gentleman.
