Alfred Derek Ward

1942 - 2023

Alfred Derek Ward
March 15, 1942 - May 20, 2023
Rock Hill, South Carolina - Winthrop University Professor Emeritus Alfred Derek Ward, long-time university colleague and mentor, loving husband, father, teacher, and friend passed away suddenly Saturday, May 20, 2023, at his home.
An internationally recognized designer, craftsman, fine artist and design educator, Alf joined Winthrop in 1989 as chair of the Department of Art and Design. Alf led the department until he returned to teaching full-time in 1996. Even after his appointment as professor emeritus in 2006, he continued to teach and mentor students. He most recently taught a jewelry metals class in Spring 2023.
"Alf was generous with his time and expertise, and he relished his work with students. His involvement in the university community and the community at large continued well after his official retirement," CVPA Interim Dean Karen Oremus noted. "His contributions through teaching, support, and mentorship were significant."
"Alf's artistic and administrative voice set a high bar for professionalism in the many disciplines of art and design at Winthrop University," wrote former colleague and friend Tom Stanley. "His example changed the course of these Winthrop programs that continue to honor his vision. For many students, faculty and the larger community, Alf was a good friend, a writer, a silversmith, a musician, someone to count on."
Alf grew up outside of London during World War II. That childhood combined with his keen observation of craftsmanship contributed to his caring deeply about the quality of design. He served as professor of design technology at the University of London, and then as head of the Department of Silversmithing, Jewelry, and Allied Crafts at the Sir John Cass College of Art within City of London Polytechnic. The design curriculum he helped develop at the University of London became a mandatory element of all design education in British high schools.
After moving to the United States, Alf taught design studies at the University of Michigan and the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit. In 1985, he was appointed director of the Appalachian Center for Crafts in Tennessee before coming to Winthrop. He received Winthrop's Distinguished Professor of the Year Award in 1998 and the Medal of Honor in the Arts in 2011. Alf designed and made the medals as well as, significantly, the Winthrop mace that is displayed at each Commencement ceremony. His advocacy for Design Education continued throughout his years in South Carolina.
Alf's work is represented in many permanent collections including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. He also served as consultant designer for Spink & Sons in London by appointment of Queen Elizabeth II. He had numerous silversmithing commissions around the world. A love affair with the roots of rock and roll in his native England served as the backdrop for his love of life.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Caroline Rust Ward; his daughter, Kerri Taylor and husband, Simon; his daughter, Sarah Farrell; grandchildren, Sebastian, Benjamin, and Harriet; and his niece, Sharon Fillary.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Alf will be held 11th June 2023 at 2:30 (formal program 3:15-4:30), Winthrop University Rutledge Gallery.
Donations in Alf's memory can be sent to the Staines Salvation Army Church sue.brighten@salvationarmy.org.uk 011 44 01784 423424 or Winthrop University to Debbie Garrick garrickd@winthrop.edu 803/323-3557.