The John Illsley Museum of Boys High History

As part of Pretoria Boys High School’s 125th anniversary celebrations, the school proudly renamed its museum the John Illsley Museum of Boys High History, paying tribute to a man whose dedication to preserving the heritage of the School has spanned more than three decades.

Surrounded by family, friends, former colleagues and members of the Boys High community, John Illsley reflected on the significance of the occasion, describing the honour as one that would forever connect his name with the history of the School he served so faithfully for 36 years.

“It is a singular honour,” he remarked. “If I were to choose a way in which to be associated with this school beyond my time here, it would be through this gesture linking my name to the history of Boys High.”

Although the museum bears his name, Illsley was quick to acknowledge those who laid its foundations. He paid tribute to the late Tony Wilkes, who first began collecting and preserving Boys High artefacts, and to former Headmaster Bill Schroder, whose vision and support ultimately made the current museum a reality.

Granted a second sabbatical in 2008 to undertake the ambitious project, Illsley devoted a year to transforming the museum into the remarkable space it is today. Despite a serious health scare during the process, and countless hours spent researching, cataloguing and designing displays, the museum opened in March 2009 during the centenary year of the school buildings and coinciding with Bill Schroder’s retirement.

Along the way came several remarkable discoveries and donations. Among them was the acquisition of treasures from the former Transvaal Education Department Museum, including the famous Administrators Cup for Rugby, a trophy won by Boys High during the school’s first three years of competition in the early 1920s. The cup’s arrival sparked spirited debate, but Illsley and Schroder stood firm in ensuring that the historic trophy would find its home at Boys High.

He also acknowledged the many individuals who helped bring the museum to life, including the late Keith Gibbs, who later became curator, Jan Kingsley, who prepared captions and arrangements for the opening, Patrick Vermeulen, who was still hanging flags on the eve of the launch, and Michael Sanderson, whose generosity funded the museum’s display cabinets. Countless others, including members of the Boys High family, contributed their time and talents to the project.

Illsley’s passion for museums and history began long before his arrival on the School on the Hill. As a young boy growing up north of Johannesburg, he created his own miniature museum, fuelled by a fascination with the past. During his national service, he spent much of his time at the Air Force Museum at Swartkop before eventually becoming one of Boys High’s foremost historians.

Through his books and his stewardship of the museum, generations of boys, staff and Old Boys have been able to engage with the rich and remarkable story of Pretoria Boys High School.

Looking to the future, Illsley expressed his hope that the museum, now under the guidance of curator Malcolm Armstrong, will continue to educate and inspire future generations while rekindling memories for Old Boys returning to their alma mater.

The naming of the John Illsley Museum of Boys High History serves as a fitting tribute to a man whose love for history, unwavering commitment to Boys High and tireless efforts to preserve its story have ensured that the traditions and memories of the School will endure for generations to come.

As he concluded in his address, the occasion represented “the best cherry on the top of a memorable weekend of celebrations for Boys High’s 125th year.”

Few honours could be more fitting for one of the School’s great custodians of history.

Illsley’s passion for museums and history began long before his arrival on the School on the Hill. As a young boy growing up north of Johannesburg, he created his own miniature museum, fuelled by a fascination with the past. During his national service, he spent much of his time at the Air Force Museum at Swartkop before eventually becoming one of Boys High’s foremost historians.

Through his books and his stewardship of the museum, generations of boys, staff and Old Boys have been able to engage with the rich and remarkable story of Pretoria Boys High School.

Looking to the future, Illsley expressed his hope that the museum, now under the guidance of curator Malcolm Armstrong, will continue to educate and inspire future generations while rekindling memories for Old Boys returning to their alma mater.

The naming of the John Illsley Museum of Boys High History serves as a fitting tribute to a man whose love for history, unwavering commitment to Boys High and tireless efforts to preserve its story have ensured that the traditions and memories of the School will endure for generations to come.

As he concluded in his address, the occasion represented “the best cherry on the top of a memorable weekend of celebrations for Boys High’s 125th year.”

Few honours could be more fitting for one of the School’s great custodians of history.