Farewell to Charlotte Munck: A Legacy of Creativity, Compassion, and Connection

After 19 remarkable years of dedicated service to Bishop’s Stortford College (2006-25), Charlotte Munck bids farewell to a community she has helped shape with warmth, creativity, and unwavering care. As Head of Art and Deputy Housemistress of Benson House, Charlotte’s impact has been felt across generations of students, particularly the Benson girls who have grown under her steady and compassionate guidance.

A Life Woven into the Fabric of BSC

Charlotte’s journey at BSC has been rich with memories — from unforgettable trips to London, New York, and Paris, to the deeply personal moment of celebrating her wedding reception in the Memorial Hall. She fondly recalls the opening of the Walter Strachan Art Centre in 2009 as a milestone in the evolution of the Art Department, a far cry from its humble beginnings in a Portakabin. Each year’s end-of-year exhibition became a celebration of student talent, creativity, and growth — a testament to the vibrant artistic spirit she nurtured.

In Benson House, Charlotte found not just a role but a home. Guided by the House motto, “Dare to be Different,” and inspired by the leadership of Pauline Mullender, Emma Chaplin, Kate Gregory, and Angustias Estrella, Charlotte became a pillar of pastoral care. Through seasons of joy, challenge, and change, Benson remained a place of resilience and belonging — for her and for the many students she supported.

A Teacher, A Mentor, A Friend

Charlotte’s influence in the Art Department extended far beyond the classroom. She embraced the digital revolution in art education, integrating Adobe Creative Cloud and digital media into her teaching. Her students inspired her daily — challenging her, making her laugh, and pushing her to stay fresh and innovative. Many have gone on to pursue careers in Fine Art, Architecture, Animation, and Design, carrying forward the spark she helped ignite.

Her legacy is not just in the art created or the lessons taught, but in the lives touched. Charlotte’s message to students and OS is simple yet profound: “Embrace your individuality. Be kind, stay grounded, and hold onto the friendships and values you’ve built here.”

Moments That Make Us Smile

Among the many cherished memories, one humorous moment stands out — a Benson House film night in the early 2000s where Charlotte, tasked with choosing a “cool” movie, accidentally picked one a bit too edgy for the younger students. “We watched it right through to the end,” she laughs, “but I remember squirming in my seat the whole time.” It’s a story that captures her humility and humour — qualities that endeared her to so many.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As Charlotte steps into a new chapter, she leaves behind a legacy of creativity, kindness, and consistency. She hopes to be remembered as someone who cared deeply — someone who showed up, stayed steady, and brought heart and humour to every corner of the College.

“If a former student thinks of me years from now and smiles,” she says, “whether because of an art project, a House trip, or just a quiet moment of support — then I’ll feel I’ve left something truly meaningful behind.”

With Love and Thanks

Charlotte's departure marks the end of an era, but her spirit will remain woven into the walls of Benson House and the heart of the Art Department. We thank her for her years of service, her boundless creativity, and the love she poured into our community. We wish her every happiness in her new role — and hope she continues to dare to be different, just as she inspired so many others to do.