A DEDICATED and inspirational teacher with a love for art and design died on February 25 aged 92.

Arthur Warden spent most of his life in the borough and taught at St Mary's elementary school, Richmond (now Christ's School).

Returning 37 years after attending as a pupil Arthur undertook two major design projects as a teacher at the school, both centred around the church school, St Mary Magdalene.

They were a carpet for the altar step - made by the girls - and a festal altar frontal - made by the boys.

Leaving full-time employment in 1974, Arthur continued to tutor children until he was 89, ostensibly preparing them for exams, but more often than not they'd read Shakespeare aloud, do embroidery, bind books or make mathematical models.

Arthur turned his hand to teaching after the Second World War, leaving a rather tedious job with The British Thermostat Company in Teddington.

Finding it hard to gain employment, his first teaching post was at St John's in Waterloo where the head greeted him with the words "The job killed the man you're replacing!"

Despite being appointed to teach English and History Arthur thrived, setting up a library, becoming head of art and producing plays.

Throughout his life his love for drama kept him going as he became involved in the Teddington Theatre Club, The Twickenham Drama Club and was a founder member of The Richmond Shakespeare Society.

The church also played a prominent role in Arthur's life, although his commitment was to the Christian faith rather than organised religion. He was a choirboy, baked at least 100 loaves for over 30 May Fairs, produced the nativity play and during the 1990s produced several works of T. S. Elliot.

Arthur was twice married, first to Barbara who died in 1971 and then to Fenella who survives him. He also leaves behind his daughter Jane, four grandchildren and ten, at the last count, great-grandchildren.