Robert Olsen (67-74) sadly passed away on 26 May 2024. He had many friends at school who will remember him as having a creative, and often “off-beat”, talent for the arts, especially screen printing, painting and photography. He used to enjoy his time in the, then, newly opened Arts Centre where several prints of his work would be displayed.  

After leaving school he undertook an Arts Foundation Course at Hull College before moving onto to Salford College and graduating in Graphic Design. He had a successful career as a freelance graphic artist as well as being a partner in his own graphic arts company.  

Robert designed the ‘poppy’ logo for The Alarm’s album “Strength”. This logo continues to be used to this day. Robert had a wry sense of humour and would often comment that he never got paid for this work, not that he minded at all. 

He married Helen (nee Waltham) in 1980, happily settling down in Cheltenham where their son, Tom, was born. Helen, sadly passed away in December 2017. 

One of Robert’s passions outside of his family, contemporary music and the arts was fishing. He went fishing all over the UK also in Europe, India and Mongolia. His favourite river was the river Wye not just for the fish but also for its beauty and tranquillity. Robert illustrated several fishing books, wrote and published his own books including “Tom’s Book” and “Waterlust”. In these books he successfully wrote not only about the adventures and tales of his fishing trips but he also reflected on life, music, culture and society making the read very enjoyable for not only people interested in fishing but also for those who are not. 

He is sadly missed. 

(Tribute by Richard Olsen, 65-71)