Now that Jonny Clothier has officially collected his Architecture degree, it means that he, his wife and their three children have all graduated from the University of Bristol.

Jonny blames his old flat mate’s parrot for the 41 year wait to graduate.

Left unsupervised in their shared University accommodation, the parrot had free run of the house and wrecked the place.

The students had to find alternative accommodation but still had to settle the final term’s rent of £64.80, which Jonny obstinately refused to pay.

A long-since abolished rule meant that students with unpaid accommodation bills were awarded degrees but were not allowed to graduate

Jonny said: “I loved my time doing architecture at Bristol – we worked really hard but we also played hard. We danced, we partied, and then we went back to work!  It was amazing but also really good training for real life. It’s sort of what I’ve been doing ever since!

“It’s been really nice watching the kids go through the same things 40 years on and it’s been amazing to all be 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!

“Today has been enormous fun but it’s not really about me, it’s about them, and signing off on the 20 year project to get the kids through the whole cycle of education. And we are so proud of them because they’ve all done so well - I literally take my strange, new, flat hat off to them!”

In 1981, Jonny met Helen Hill at Bristol, never imagining she would end up as his wife. She graduated in Russian and French, and was immediately approached to work for MI6. She worked extensively in Russia and then went on to make TV documentaries around the world.

Jonny left architecture and also went to work in TV, rising from researcher to director and executive producer. He was nominated for a BAFTA along the way, but after 25 years he returned to his first love, architecture, and is now completing a contemporary net-zero treehouse in the Forest of Dean.

“A BAFTA nomination and an RIBA [Royal Institute of British Architects] award - that really would be the icing on the cake,” he said.

Their eldest son Quito graduated with a degree in Music in 2020. He is now an operatic tenor in London and works as an art dealer specialising in the work of Banksy. Their daughter Tiger graduated from Law in 2023, and was a ski instructor in Japan before embarking on a career in Marketing.

Their youngest, Carter, has now graduated in Biology, having just represented England at Lacrosse in Portugal. His next target is manta ray conservation in the Maldives and a career in sustainability.

Carter said: “It’s definitely a unique experience graduating with your dad, but it was an amazing day and a beautiful ceremony. It was the perfect way to close off an incredible three years at Bristol.”

The family celebrated with dinner at a popular bistro restaurant, which in Jonny and Helen’s day was a student dining hall where they could get a pasty, beans and chips for £1.

But what ever happened to the unpaid bill?

“They haven’t mentioned the money, so I’m keeping quiet,” Jonny laughed. “It hasn’t gone up since 1983 so I’m viewing it as an ultra-long-term, interest-free loan!”

Prof Evelyn Welch, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, conferred Jonny’s degree. She said: “After 41 years, we thought it was finally time to waive the bill, and it was great to see Jonny officially graduate.

“We are so pleased that Jonny, Carter and the rest of the family had such a great day and we wish them all the best of luck in the future.”