FIFTY years ago the ‘finest school laboratories in England’ were opened at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Blackburn.

They were named the Holden Laboratories after former headmaster and maths teacher Arthur Holden.

That same day, November 17, 1958, a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I by Zuccaro was unveiled in the dining hall — marking the 400th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

Mr Holden, who was then a school governor, was among the 1,500 guests at the science block’s official opening, which was carried out by Sir Hugh Beaver, chairman of the Industrial Fund for the Advancement of Scientific Education in Schools.

Pupil John Leigh, 14, was chosen to carry the large, golden key to the new building on a velvet cushion and present it for the official ceremony.

At a recent school reunion for 1950s’ pupils and staff, he recalled, however, that the key did not, in fact, fit the entrance door to the new labs. When Sir Hugh ‘turned’ it in the lock, a member of staff was positioned inside to open the door inwards, carefully keeping himself out of the view of any prying cameras in the process!

Funding for the new block came from Blackburn Town Council, who donated £15,000 in 1956 and which was augmented by a £34,000 grant towards building costs from the Industrial Fund, the largest amount that body had ever awarded, with a further £2,000 provided for equipment later in 1957.

The portrait of Elizabeth I, painted in 1596, and donated by Henry Whittaker, chairman of the Board of Governors, was later unveiled by Lord Clitheroe. It still hangs in Big School today.

Headmaster Brian Kemball-Cook and Mr Whittaker also signified the anniversary by sending a telegram to Queen Elizabeth II, who was then in the fifth year of her reign.

The telegram mentioned the anniversary and added that the Queen’s namesake had granted the school its charter in 1567. It ended with: “The Governors, staff and scholars of the school offer to Your Majesty their humble greetings for a long and happy reign.”

Her reply stated: “The Queen sends her sincere thanks to the Governors, headmaster, staff and scholars of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School for their kind wishes and loyal greetings. Her Majesty sends her warm good wishes to all at the school for its continuing prosperity.”