Adam Hemmings
Adam Hemmings
Old Bedalian 2008

Have you undertaken any kind of further study since leaving Bedales and have you gained any further qualifications?

2012 - Bachelor of Arts - University of Chicago (Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, Hons)
2014 - Master of Arts - School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London (International Law, Distinction)
Current - Funding applications submitted for PhD in Archaeology and Law at various universities in the UK and US.

What kind of work are you currently involved in and how and why did you come to be doing it?

I currently work as a policy advisor and assistant at a disability theatre company in London. I also work on exhibitions that are occasionally mounted by the company. In addition, I am an advisor at the upcoming Museum of Homelessness and write articles on archaeology, politics and history. These positions naturally led from my interest in archaeology, and while Egypt and the Middle East cool down from their current conflict my archaeological work is better used in the museum than in the field.

Did attending Bedales help you in getting to where you are now and how satisfied are you with what you are doing?

I think the experience I had at Bedales fundamentally prepared me not just for my chosen field, but for life. I highly doubt that I would be involved in such a cross-disciplinary practice if I had not been afforded the opportunity to experiment and delve deeply into subjects at Bedales. Most importantly, I believe that my outlook towards other people has been shaped by my school years, making me more compassionate, understanding and communicative. A testament to the quality of Bedales is the very fact that I am still friends with many of my classmates and continue to meet with them when I can.

Have you been involved in any other interesting activities or occupations since leaving school?

I've continued to keep singing, despite not pursuing it professionally, and record regularly for my own enjoyment. I also had the privilege of being a member of the Rockefeller Chapel Choir whilst in Chicago. My involvement in the arts (most certainly inspired by Bedales) has meant that I've worked on numerous theatrical productions and currently serve as the Executive Director of The Dreamery, an immersive theatre company based in London. As for legal work, I've acted as a researcher and media campaigner on a civil liberties case and at the Cook County Juvenile Court and Prison in Chicago to afford proper legal protections to juvenile offenders. I write food, arts and events reviews for a blog and also maintain my own blog in which I document the confluence of politics, archaeology and the law. Politically and in tandem with the Museum of Homelessness, I'm working on private sector solutions to the global housing crisis and recently had my proposals reviewed by an investment fund.

(August 2016)