A former St Albans teacher who “encouraged countless pupils over the years” has received a glowing tribute for inspiring others.

Daphne Goad, an artist and teacher who was head of the art department at the former St Albans Girls’ Grammar School – subsequently St Albans Girls’ School – has died aged 90, on January 9.

Her funeral took place last Wednesday (3) at St Leonard’s Church in Sandridge.

One of her former pupils, Cathleen Palmer, of St Albans, has written an obituary for the school’s Old Girls’ Association, which she has shared with the Herts Advertiser.

Daphne taught at the grammar school for over 30 years from about 1947.

Paying tribute to her former art teacher, Cathleen said: “She was a most gifted and inspiring teacher, able to enthuse her pupils in ways which made lessons imaginative and enjoyable.

“At times she was temperamental and seemed over-demanding, but she had high standards and wanted every pupil to do their best.”

Cathleen said Daphne emphasised the need for texture in paintings so much that a group of sixth formers gave her a toy elephant with the instruction that she had to name it ‘Texture’.”

Daphne took groups to the Tate Gallery – at a time when such visits were rare in post-war London.

She would also take pupils in her vintage car for a visit to a favourite shop, Saddlers in Hertford, and sketchbooks would be brought out to capture saddles, belts and bags.

Daphne’s set designs for school dramas “brought plays alive and made them much more memorable”.

Cathleen added: “Her enjoyment of the visual world was infectious, and she encouraged countless pupils over the years.

“The sudden rush of messages on Facebook when news of her death was posted bears testimony to the widespread respect and affection in which she was held.”