Brighton School of Art

It began life as far back as January 1859 housed in the world famous Brighton Pavilion having been promulgated as early as 1836 by a Parliamentary report which stated that Great Britain needed to become more economically competitive. By 1877, the School had established its own premises on the site of one of the present faculties in Grand Parade. Over the years, the School has taught many art-related disciplines including Architecture, Design and Painting, Graphic Art, Screen lighting and set design and cinematography and Art History. It has had several incarnations namely Brighton College of Art (1947-1970), Brighton Polytechnic (1970-1992) and currently it is under the auspices of the newly created Brighton University.

Past staff and alumni include Charles Knight, Frank Archer, Sallis Benney, Wendela Boreel, Louis Ginnett, Norman Clarke, Raymond Cowan, Dennis Creffield, Alan Davie, George Hooper, Ronald Horton, Gwyther Irwin, Charles Knight, Conrad Heighton Leigh, Brendan Neiland, Robin Plummer, Turner Prize winners Keith Tyson and Rachel Whiteread and Barbara Hulanicki founder of the iconic fashion label Biba. The University houses an important collection which was started in 1995 by Michael and Sandy Aldrich. It concentrates principally on the work of students and staff associated with the School since its creation in 1859.