A FORMER Blackburn schoolgirl who has invented a lifeline for DIY enthusiasts is trying to track down the teacher who inspired her to success.
Ithiel Mogridge, formerly Aldred, was a student at Everton School, a comprehensive in Higher Croft, between 1966 and 1971.
Her interest in science -- sparked by a chemistry lesson -- led to her becoming a research and development chemist.
And now, as she prepares to display her revolutionary product remover for painted textured coatings, which we generally know as Artex -- at the British Invention Show in London next weekend, she has appealed for help in tracking down her former teacher, Mr Lister.
Ithiel, now 46, does not know his first name, but remembers clearly the day when Mr Lister showed the class how oil and water separated after being stirred together. "The sun streamed through the window and I said: 'That's beautiful'. I expressed great interest and his comment to the class was: 'Ithiel finds beauty in this'.
"The whole thing is fascinating and all this chemistry I do now is the same that he was demonstrating with the beaker of oil and water. I am so proud of the formulations. I would like to say to Mr Lister: 'Thank you. You couldn't possibly have known how much interest you were stirring up that day.'"
After studying O and A levels Ithiel took an HND and studied at the Polytechnic of South London. Her work as a research and development chemist led her to form a company called Action Products in South Gloucester, of which she is now director of research and development.
Her products are not tested on animals and her company's logo is 'Designed to be kind', as it uses non-toxic, biodegradable chemicals. Ithiel explained how her new product to remove Artex works. There are two types, Tex Remover and Professional Grade Tex Remover, which are water-based gels that will soak through paint and textured coatings. The gel makes the coating wet and squashy, allowing it to be removed with a scraper and preventing the dust and mess associated with chipping it off.
Industrial chemist Ithiel has also developed a paint and varnish remover which does not smell and is not poisonous, and a masonry wash to assist graffiti removal.
Ithiel's mother, Mrs Louise Aldred, lives in Roman Road, Blackburn, and she has three brothers who live in the area -- Kevin and Darcy in Darwen and Eliel in Blackburn.
Mr Lister, or anyone who knows his whereabouts, can contact Ithiel at Action Products via e-mail at
action.products@virgin.net or telephone 01454 228702.
The British Invention Show is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at The Barbican Exhibition Centre, London. Ithiel will be on stand A3.
Visit the website www.britishinventionshow.com or www.invent.org.uk for more information.
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