Kidderminster School of Art

After an initial failed attempt in the 1850's, William Ward, 1st Earl of Dudley (1817–1885) successfully started a school of art in 1862. Initially, the school was run from the top floor of one of the town’s commercial buildings before a dedicated building was completed in 1879, with a School of Science added in 1887. A museum and free library completed the project in 1894. New buildings were opened during the 1950's-1970's to accommodate growing student numbers and a pioneering carpet technology course at what was then called Kidderminster College of Further Education was established. The decline in the carpet industry during the 1980's led to shrinking demand and Kidderminster College moved to a new building on Market Street in 2003.

Cyril Lavenstein was among the most distinguished students, winning a bronze medal in 1908 and a silver in 1910. He went on to teach at his alma mater. Other alumni included William Daley the father of Jehan Daly, Osmond Bissell and Aubrey Phillips.