Byam Shaw alumnus Richard Milward in conversation with Peter Cleak

Photo: Richard Milward by Sarah Lee

Richard Milward’s debut novel Apples was published by Faber and Faber in 2007 to great acclaim. He has also recently published his 2nd novel Ten Storey Love Song.

Central Saint Martins’ very own Peter Cleak met up with Richard last year, here’s a transcript of their conversation:

FROM BORO WITH LOVE

I don’t have to sell my soul
He’s already in me
I don’t need to sell my soul
He’s already in me

Richard Milward creates magic. Some people say he’s a genius. He was born in Middlesbrough in 1984 and came to London to paint. He graduated from Byam Shaw at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, with BA (Honours) Fine Art in 2008. Peter Cleak, Events & Gallery Manager at Central Saint Martins, catches up with Milward in a boisterous and recession-taunting Wetherspoon’s.

Richard Milward is having a grandstand week ~ ‘one big buzz of radio, readings, interviews and mischief’ ~ but he’s sore at Location, Location, Location who recently pronounced Middlesbrough ‘officially the worst place to live in Britain’: “Despicable, just despicable. The Mayor went mad, like, saying it ought to be illegal. And it is terrible. I mean, it can’t do any good for tourism and Boro’s so proud. It’s just a massive kick in the teeth.. some cheap TV show with no ideas. Unbelievable. I need another whisky.” Kirstie & Phil admonished, we retire to the faux-Victoriana lounge.

Faber and Faber’s publication of his debut novel ‘Apples’, in 2007, caused a literary stir. Narrated alternately by Adam and Eve, a cast of teenage delinquents, and some butterflies, ‘Apples’ explores the difficulties of growing up and ‘getting fucked as quick as you can’ on a council estate in Middlesbrough. Comparisons to Jack Kerouac, John Osborne, and Irvine Welsh announced Milward’s arrival as a highly original new talent and the book sold faster than hot cakes in winter. Even better, Milward’s work jettisoned Zadie Smith into elderly care.

So when did you first come to London? I started visiting my brother, who was studying at Queen Mary’s, when I was fifteen. Coming down to stay with him, I could do the bright lights, see gigs.. bands like Sonic Youth.

And that’s what made you want to move down? Yeah, I thought I couldn’t wait to live in London but then I realised I’d fallen in love with Boro. So it could only be London or Teesside.

Byam Shaw celebrates!

100

Byam Shaw launched its Centenary celebrations on 1 July with a 100th Birthday Party, held at the School’s studios in Elthorne Road. 200 special guests were invited to lunch, including former staff, governors, friends of the School, and a cross-section of alumni from the 1950s to the 1990s.

Later in the day the School opened its doors to all former students, for an evening of wine, music and reminiscence. From Australia and the Czech Republic, from Canada and Sweden, alumni from across the world made the trip to celebrate 100 years of Byam Shaw.