Michael POULGRAIN Obituary

To Michael's family,
When I read the recent death notice in the Herald this week I was reminded of a lovely teenage boy I taught at Thames High School in the 1977/78 . This was my first art teaching position and I was only 23 I recall how talented this student was when working with clay. In fact all these years later and fully retired from teaching I still own a small silk screen print that Michael produced in the style of Michael Smithers, of a kiln full of wonderful black pottery silhouetted in front of bands of bright warm colours, reds oranges and yellows. I always wondered what he did later in life and hoped he had followed in an arts career. After a google search I see he became a very successful artist and I am happy he went down this path. He was a gentle, polite, lovely teenager and I am sure he was a lovely young man. My thoughts are with all those who loved him. Louise Lonsdale-Cooper

So sad to hear the news about Michael. He was a great friend during my schooling years- such a creative spirit. I have many fond memories of making huts with him in the Pauanui Pine Forest!!
Lots of love,
Pip Lane