On the 21st of November 2005 the new Art School was officially opened by the Director of the National Gallery, Charles Saumarez-Smith.
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The Art School: A Closer Look 
An Historical Perspective
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Quite apart from benefiting a new generation of artists, the building has presence, perhaps worthy or artistic scrutiny itself. Huge curved glass windows reflect the sun and encourage the passer-by to look within.
From the inside, it is equally spectacular. Steel pillars and beams support a vast uninterrupted space flooded by natural light: this is a stimulating place in which to work.
The new Art School houses six impressive teaching rooms, one extremely well stocked library and an up-to-date computer room. Below, and accessible by lift and stairs, is a basement lecture room, a new video editing and animation studio, a photography dark room and plenty more storage.
In addition, there is a staff room, a newly added sculpture room and toilet facilities. Appropriately, the new building is located next to the existing ceramic department, the woodwork area and the Mount House Gallery. |
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Art has had a significant presence at the College for a long time, our most famous artist perhaps being William Morris.
Its origins however, are a little more lowly: it began as a subject in 1844 under the auspices of the first Drawing Master, H.J Fleuss, in a classroom on the lower floor of New Court. Christopher Hughes, a distinguished art master, took over in 1920 and, in the 1930s, moved art into the Garnett Room (previously, a museum). Guy Barton followed in 1946 and, by now, art was becoming a more significant subject.
In the early 1960s an art school was established using the gap between the newly added Norwood Hall and A House. The Art Department was more than happy to be moved into the centre of the College. Then in 1971 the Master, John Dancy, appointed Robin Child. The Art School opened its doors to ever increasing numbers and an enviable reputation for art in the College was established. |
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