Malvern College Preston Science School Building
Photo
Judith and I visit Philip's granddaughter Caroline and husband Malcolm, August 2022.
A fine lunch was served, also tea.
Several photo albums were laid out, ready for our examination. One photo particularly caught my attention:
The Preston Science School, Malvern College
I was aware of the history of radar development in World War 2. My final year project at university relied on several papers published by the Radar Research Establishment. My research in 1988 covered fast parallel multipliers. As a radio amateur I do get quite exited when I have a length of waveguide in my hands!
"Suspicious" I thought. Philip's album had nothing covering 1939-1945. Philip must have been involved in secret building work during WW2.
I scanned many of the photos from our visit. They're here.
I left thinking "What did Philip do during the war?"
Architecture Illustrated
July 1940, P109
New Science Laboratories, Malvern College, Malvern
Messrs. George Hubbard & Son, FF.R.I.B.A., Chartered Architects.
Architects for the internal fittings: Messrs. Mumby and Smith.
Main Entrance Elevation
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
"The brickwork is composed of multi-coloured facings, the roof tiles are handmade sand-faced purples, browns and reds, reconstructed stone being used for the dressings. The window frames are painted cream, the doors are in teak.
"Messrs. John Bolding & Sons, Ltd. supplied sanitary fittings."
Research
After some research I learn more about the Preston Science School at Malvern College and their old pupil and architect, Philip Hubbard.
To keep the story simple, and as 'A picture is worth a thousand words', I'll show the transformation the poor building undergoes.
RDF to RADAR at Malvern College
Note the huts on the roof and on the lawns in front of the building.
The above image is from YouTube "RDF to RADAR a Record of the Work of TRE" - Preston Lab covered in radar equipment
More huts. This is from a photo at the Malvern Museum. I plan a stealthy infiltration tactic with the Malvern Radar and Technology History Society. I will become a member and gain access to their photograph archive.
Royalty pays a visit to Malvern College
The above image is from YouTube Video TRE - MALVERN JULY 19TH 1944 THE KING AND QUEEN VISIT
Nick visits Malvern College
I pay a visit to Malvern 10th November 2022.
Huts removed, and the building has had a refit. I will arrange a visit for 2023. I'm keen to take an image form the same angle as above.
Conclusion
What makes me think Philip was embroiled in the secret work at Malvern?
1, He would be the perfect architect. He knew the college and "his" brand new Preston building. He could prepare modifications, and restore the building after the war requisition.
2, Philip was part of the college "family". When the college re-opened, and speeches made, he received a favourable mention:
"Of course an immense amount of work, and an immense amount of patience and good humour, have been demanded from everyone concerned—and I must specially mention Mr. Hubbard, the Bursar, and Mr. Brebber—and once again the Housemasters and their wives."