Art schools are not just art schools, they are so much more. They are of course a place to develop and explore one’s artistic skill but also a space to divulge into artistic thoughts and reflect on society’s questions, propelling the art to examine what lies underneath our souls and our world.
Art can make us think, challenge norms and bring about perspectives. These perspectives are fuelled and enhanced through being amongst like-minded people, either through our friends and family or such as during time spent at art schools. Gatherings to engage in discussion and debate ideas and notions occur amongst the corridors and whilst the paint drips or dries.
Art is a tool that can lead us towards seeing things we may not always see in our lives. Painting has for some come in and out of fashion, but it’s always been there and always will be, there is something soothing about applying dabs of paint and something seductive, enigmatic, dramatic or calming about viewing paint running down a canvas finding shapes and forms into figures or abstraction. Brushstrokes are the marks of emotions and lines that stem from the artist’s eye to the viewer’s heart. Through paint strokes connections are made. Many writers and philosophers such as Michel Foucault or Leo Tolstoy, have either been impacted or written about art.
Art school feels like entering into a den of colour, basking between light and shadow, thought and practice, entering amongst a community of artists and seeing the world through a wider frame and with its vast possibilities. Of course one can be creative wherever and however one chooses and without necessarily going to one, many artists are self taught and successful.
London is home to many wonderful art schools and there are many great schools who teach art. As Bob and Roberta Smith says all schools should be art schools. The ethos of art and of the majority of art schools should be everywhere, a world without art would be rather grey and lacking in perspectives. A variety of wonderful subjects and practices are taught at art schools, painting is one of them and comes with an extensive history. Below is a list of some of the art schools in London with some visuals of paintings by some alumni and current artists from those schools, putting colour, art thoughts and questions out into the world.
During these challenging times the world faces, most importantly is keeping well and safe, and as we practice social distancing, art, whether viewing it online or painting and drawing can help in these difficult times. Art schools are currently closed but their spirit and the students work can be viewed online, until better and safer days where they can be viewed and visited in person. Until then we can support the artists and art schools online, check out their websites and their social media.
The Slade School of Fine Art - UCL
In 1868, Felix Slade a lawyer and philanthropist set out to inaugurate three Chairs in Fine Art, in Oxford, Cambridge and London. In 1871 the first Slade building was completed, where fine art would be studied within a liberal arts university. The education of female students were from the outset on equal terms as men, with the Slade propelling the introduction of women to UCL. Past students include Augustus John, Paul Nash, Paula Rego, Bernard Cohen, Ibrahim El Salahi, Rachel Whiteread, Mona Hatoum, Tacita Dean, Cecily Brown.
Central Saint Martins
Painting at Central Saint Martins stems from the The Byam Shaw School of Art which had been founded in 1910 by John Liston Byam Shaw and Rex Vicat Cole. It was absorbed into Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design on 2003. Past students include Matthew Collings, Billy Childish, Richard Cook, Gilbert & George.
Goldsmiths,University of London
In 1891 a new Institute was set up to promote techinical skill for the industrial and artisan classes. By 1988 Goldsmiths became a full School of the University of London. Alumni include Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, Steve McQueen, Gillian Wearing, Michael Landy.
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Royal Collage of Art
In 1837, The Royal College of Art started of as the Government School of Design. In 1967, the college was granted a Royal Charter and university status and became known as the Royal College of Art. Alumni include Bridget Riley, Tracey Emin, David Hockney, Dinos Chapman, Chris Ofili.
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Chelsea College of Art
Originally an integral school of the South-Western Polytechnic, the School of Art merged in 1908 with the Hammersmith School of Art to form the Chelsea School of Art. Past students include, Frank Bowling, Anish Kapoor, Steve McQueen, Mark Wallinger, Rebecca Warren.
Camberwell College of Art
The College which opened in 1898, is linked to the history of the South London Gallery which had oppened in 1891. The college was backed by art figures such as Edward Burne-Jones and Lord Leighton. It became a constituent College of the London Institute in 1986. Alumni include Howard Hodgkin, Maggi Hambling, Gilbert Spencer, Anthony Eyton, Uzo Egonu.
City & Guild of London Art School
First known in 1854 as the Lambeth School of Art and founded by the Reverend Robert Gregory. In its early days it was aided by Henry Cole the then Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum. In 1878 with funds, it became City & Guilds of London Institute and in 1938 the City & Guilds of London Art School. Alumni include Stephen Wiltshire, Sarah Beddington.
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The Cass
Named after Sir John Cass and known as the Aldgate Bauhaus, The Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design named today as The Cass, is an art school that forms part of London Metropolitan University, which was first set up as an education charity. Alumni include Charlotte Aitken, Gwen Anderson.
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The Royal Drawing School
The Royal Drawing School, first known as The Prince's Drawing School, was founded in 2000 by the Prince of Wales as an educational organisation and registered charity, part of The Prince's Charities. Alumni include Carl Randall, Stuart Pearson Wright, Catherine Story.
Royal Academy Schools
Since 1769, from the start of the Royal Academy, The Royal Academy Schools have been a part of it. They offer spaces for 17 early career artists. Alumni include J. M. W. Turner, John Soane, William Blake, John Constable, Sylvia Gosse, Eddie Peake.
Wimbledon College of Arts
The college started in 1890 for art classes for the Rutlish School for Boys. In 2006, Wimbledon School of Art became part of the University of the Arts London and renamed Wimbledon College of Arts in 2013. Alumni include Lubaina Himid, Anthea Hamilton, Peter Doig, Malvina Cheek, Pauline Boty.
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All images copyright of the artists and from their public social media.
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