In 1981, local artist Paul Long, was commissioned to produce a limited edition silk screen print of  NCW to commemorate the visit of Prince Charles to the College.

Prince Charles visited on Wednesday June 3 1981. The HRH’s helicopter landed on the front lawn and the entire visit was meticulously rehearsed. The whole school assembled in the chapel and one of our former students played a piece on the organ by Clérambault. The then Prince, addressed the school and gave a speech.

One of the former students recalls that a student was waiting in the science lab, posing as if in mid-experiment. When HRH got to the science lab, he said rather diffidently, “I do hope I’m not disturbing you,” to which the student replied, “Well, actually you are, but don’t worry.”

The wedding between Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer was only a few weeks away and former students remember a lot of curiosity and buzz relating to that piece of news.

Whilst in Worcester, Prince Charles also unveiled the Elgar Statue and attended a concert.  

There were 250 prints in the limited edition. The first print was gifted to the then Prince Charles, whilst other prints were sold to staff,  students and members of the general public. One of the prints still hangs in the foyer of the college today. 

Roll on 42 years later and one of the prints was kindly gifted to the college from a former student. Lottie from Fundraising was interested to see if Paul Long (the artist) was still living in Worcester. A quick Google search and an email later and Paul had been found. Still living in Worcester, very active in the art community and now retired, he was keen to visit NCW.