Portrait Unveiled Honouring Former Chair of Trustees Peter Lawson

Oakham School was delighted to honour former Chair of Trustees and Old Oakhamian Peter Lawson with the unveiling of a portrait commissioned in recognition of his longstanding service and dedication to the School.

The portrait was unveiled during a special ceremony in the Social Sciences building, where it will be permanently displayed. Headmaster Henry Price paid tribute to Peter’s many contributions to Oakham and highlighted the Lawson family’s enduring connection with the School.

A former Oakham student, Peter has enjoyed a lifelong relationship with Oakham. His connection began as a pupil, continued when his sons attended the School, and remains strong today through his role as President of the Oakham School Legacy Society.

Speaking at the unveiling, Peter reflected warmly on his own experiences as a student and the lasting impact Oakham had on his life.

He spoke about the skills and values he developed during his time at the School, which helped prepare him for a rich and varied career. As a parent, he also witnessed first-hand the transformational effects on his sons, Chris and Richard whose teenage years were spent flying between Oakham and their home in New York.

“Oakham gave a rich and stable education to my sons… at a time when my own career flitted between Belgium, New York and the UK,” he said.

Reflecting on what has remained most important to him throughout his association with Oakham, Peter added:

“It’s always the people that matter most, and it’s the people I remember. Everyone at Oakham strives so hard to give our young people today the start in life that has always been the single and sole objective of this great school.”

Peter also thanked those who had joined him for the occasion, including current Chair of Trustees Geraint Davies, former Chair of Trustees Professor Neil Gorman and artist Hilary Moralee, who was commissioned to paint the portrait.

The portrait depicts Peter standing in front of the choir stalls in Oakham School Chapel, one of his favourite places on campus and a lasting reminder of his time singing in the School Choir. The setting was chosen to reflect the deep personal connection he has maintained with the School throughout his life.

The unveiling provided an opportunity to celebrate Peter’s exceptional commitment to Oakham School and to recognise the lasting impact of his leadership, service and support over many decades. The portrait will serve as a fitting tribute to an Old Oakhamian whose connection to the School continues to inspire future generations.