Newport School of Art

Newport Technical Institute began life in September 1910 in Clarence Place on the east bank of the River Usk, close to Newport Bridge. It was built on land purchased from Lord Tredegar. It is thought to have evolved as many art schools did from a local Mechanics Institute. It soon 'evolved' into an art school or art college, but exactly when, is yet to be established.

The red-brick building with a copper dome stands in the centre of Newport and is not a Grade 1 listed building. The art school has long since been part of the University of Wales, based in Newport at the Caerleon campus. However, the original building fell into disrepair. In 2008, redevelopment began to convert the building into apartments which was completed in 2012.

Considering it was a lesser-known School in the hierarchy of art colleges, some first-class alumni and staff were associated with the establishment. Included were Barry Flanagan, Tom Rathmell, Gilbert Mason, Reggie Dent, Ernest Zobole amongst many.

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