Bloomsbury Art School

Established in 1813 by the eponymous Henry Sass (1788–1844) it was originally located at 50 Great Russell Street before it was moved to Charlotte Street, Bloomsbury. It was also variously known as Cary's Academy and Sass Academy. Unable to earn a living by his art, Sass hit on the idea of preparing students for entry to one of the more esteemed London-based schools such as the Royal Academy Schools. It was the first art school to teach its students in any disciplined way, and it occupied an important place in the development of Victorian art. Its list of alumni included John Everett Millais, (1829-1896) W. P. Frith, (1819-1909) Edward Henry Corbould, (1815-1905) and American-born Walter Deverell, 1827–1854). Sass retired before his demise and in 1842 under the management of Francis Stephen Cary, (1808-1880), it became known as Cary’s Academy. The School was discerning in its admissions and only those who could afford it and had what Sass and Cary deemed as 'ability' were allowed to study there. Sass invited many famous artists of the period to talk to the pupils these included William Etty, (1787-1849) and John Constable, (1776-1837)