Jonny Clothier was denied graduation at the University of Bristol due to an unpaid debt related to his flatmate’s bird.
A man denied graduation for 41 years due to an unpaid charge of £64.80 for a parrot has finally worn his cap and grown on the same day as his son.
Jonny Clothier read architecture at the University of Bristol and was scheduled to graduate with his colleagues in 1983. But his old flatmate had a parrot that, after being left alone, had full reign throughout their university accommodation and ruined the place.
The students sought alternate housing but were still required to pay the final term’s rent of £64.80, which Clothier refused to pay.
Students with outstanding accommodation costs were awarded degrees but were not permitted to graduate due to a long-since-abolished rule.
After 41 years, the university forgave him the bill, allowing Clothier to graduate with his youngest son, Carter, 21, who earned a biology degree.
Clothier, 62, who lives in Petersfield, Hampshire, described the unpaid bills as “ultra-long-term, interest-free loan.”
He stated, “They haven’t mentioned the money, so I’m keeping quiet.”
Clothier, his wife Helen Hill, 60, and their three children have all graduated from the University of Bristol.
He added, “I loved my time doing architecture at Bristol. We worked hard but played hard. We danced, we partied, and then we went back to work.
“It was amazing but also excellent training for real life. It’s sort of what I’ve been doing ever since.
“It’s been nice watching the kids go through the same things 40 years on, and it’s been amazing to have all been together for these graduations.
“My old studio desk was right beneath my seat for the graduation ceremony, albeit one floor below. It kind of felt like coming home.”
“We are so proud of them because they’ve all done so well – I literally take my strange, new, flat hat off to them.”
Hill, whom Clothier met in Bristol, graduated in Russian and French in 1985 and was invited to work for M16. She worked extensively in Russia before making television documentaries.
Clothier left architecture to work as a director and executive producer in television. He recently returned to his field and is creating a modern net-zero treehouse in the Forest of Dean.
Their eldest son, Quito, graduated with a music degree in 2020. He is a London-based operatic tenor and art dealer specializing in Banksy’s work.
Tiger, the couple’s daughter, graduated from law school in 2023 and worked as a ski instructor in Japan before moving into marketing.
Carter, who recently represented England at lacrosse in Portugal and is working for a future in sustainability, said: “It’s definitely a unique experience graduating with your dad, but it was an amazing day and a beautiful ceremony.”
