Jack Downing studied at the Stourbridge Art College before attending the Royal College of Art in London. A specialist in glassware, Downing returned to his native Worcestershire in 1948, after serving in the Navy during the War, and became the principal of his former art college. That same year, Downing was asked to design an entry for the London Olympics Art competition by Major Alfred Longden, director of the British Arts Council. Downing designed an engraved chalice in conjunction with Charles Stanier and W. G. Webb, who was responsible for the engraving. In the 1960s, Downing was also the principal of the Foley College of Further Education in Stourbridge, and in 1963 helped launch innovative courses in industrial art at the college.
Great Britain