This month we catch up with Yvette Vanson (BA Social Science, 1979). She talks us through her time at Kingston studying Social Science. Since 2004 Yvette has been an artist and in 2013 had two successful London exhibitions.
1976 – 1979.
BA Social Science. I was the first student to gain a First on the course.
It was local and had an interesting course.
Stimulating, challenging and fun!
Yes I met two of my best friends (who have been married since) on the first day of the course. They live in Switzerland now and I visit regularly.
I had no idea until I met two guys in a lift in my final year who worked in the TV studio. I made a documentary with them for my final thesis and it went from there – a 25 year career in the media!
Bob Sutcliffe – brilliant, provocative, a great lecturer, fun and a socialist.
My son, Freddy who is a primary school teacher. Also for winning a BAFTA in 2000 for best drama 'The Murder of Stephen Lawrence'.
Do what you did... be honest, principled and fight for your beliefs against injustice wherever you encounter it.
It's a Mad World my Masters by Middleton – my dear friend Ishia Bennison is in it touring with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). It's really rude and hilarious... all about sex and money – nothing changes!
Trip to an art gallery, lunch with a good friend and bottle of wine, relaxing and chatting, listening to Antonio Forcione at the 606 Jazz Club in Chelsea and a very good laugh.
My lover (my son should really not have to be marooned with his mother!)
Master and Margarita by Bulgakov – a wonderfully surreal tale which exposes, via magic realism, the depths of Stalinist tyranny and corruption in Russia.
Currently Last Chance Harvey with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson – because we should never give up on love no matter what our age or what befalls us.
A huge bowl of fruit and veg (I am veggie) because it's delicious but also to remind me that our planet does not have to be destroyed by corporate greed or methane from animals reared for consumption, or fossil fuels - but can become a sustainable haven for all creatures.
I am quite shy with strangers.
Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE)
Crescent House
Penrhyn Road
Kingston upon Thames
Surrey KT1 2EE
Tel: +44 (0)20 8417 3664
Email us
We love hearing from all Kingston graduates – no piece of news is too big or small, so whatever you have done or are about to do, email us and let us know!
Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE)
Crescent House
Penrhyn Road
Kingston upon Thames
Surrey KT1 2EE
Tel: +44 (0)20 8417 3664
Email us