Julien Macdonald, Swarkowski crystal mesh couture party dress adorned with a duchess satin bow. courtesy of Julien Macdonald
From Art School to University: Art and Design at Brighton 1859-2009, January 16 – March 14 2009.
Turner Prize winners, top fashion designers and prize-winning illustrators are taking part in an exhibition celebrating the opening of Brighton School of Art 150 years ago.
The exhibition at University of Brighton Gallery will bring together work from artists and designers to celebrate the founding of the original school of art 150 years ago.
Anne Boddington, dean of the faculty of Arts and Architecture said: “ This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the history of today’s multidisciplinary, international faculty of arts and architecture.
“Reviewing the artistic achievements of staff and students demonstrates the development of this vibrant creative educational institution.”
The Sculpture Class c1900 Brighton School of Art Archive, the University of Brighton Design Archives.
The School of art opened its doors to 50 students on January 17 1859 in a room off the kitchens at the Royal Pavilion and the exhibition begins by looking at the events that lead to the inauspicious opening.
Between 1900 and 1930 the school found national and international acclaim by showing at the international Paris Exhibition des Arts Décoratif et Industriels Modernes.
It also gained 22 per cent of awards made to provincial art schools - more than any other institution outside London.
Charles Knight and Louis Ginnett rose to fame in the interwar years and both taught painting classes in nearby Ditchling, which was renowned for its arts and crafts community.
The exhibition also includes works from fellow Ditchling artists Ethel Mairet and illustrator John Vernon Lord.
London commuters throughout the ages have also been treated to work from various Brighton staff and students who displayed in the People's Gallery of London Transport.
Design in the Home exhibition, 1947. Credit is Brighton School of Art Archive, the University of Brighton Design Archives.
Designs for postage stamps by Brighton College graduates including Andrew Restall, George Hardie and Laura Stoddart, who was the youngest designer to contribute Christmas stamp designs in 1996, are also included.
The exhibition will feature illustrations from Raymond Briggs who created the popular children's character, the Snowman and Quentin Blake whose images have adorned many children’s books including Roald Dahl.
The fashion and textiles courses have produced many household names including Biba legend Barbara Hulanicki and Julien Macdonald. One of the latter's dresses will feature in the exhibition.
Further exhibition highlights will include promotional material for Deep Purple, The Sex Pistols, Pink Floyd, Fat Boy Slim and Muse, award winning dance from Liz Aggiss and a model for 3D Sustainable design by Duncan Baker Brown who became known following his design for ‘The House That Kevin McCloud Built’ for Grand Designs Live in May 2008.
Alison Lapper, Pink Arms. Courtesy Alison Lapper
For more information about the activities planned for the 150th anniversary go to www.brighton.ac.uk/arts150.
An accompanying book and catalogue entitled ‘Art and Design at Brighton 1859-2009 from arts Manufactures to the Creative and Cultural Industries,’ has been published By the University of Brighton and will be on sale at the University of Brighton Gallery.
The book features contributions from past students including Culture 24 Chief Executive Jane Finnis who studied Expressive Arts at the university in the 80's.
Jane said: "What drew me to the Expressive Arts course in 1984 was its cross-disciplinary philosophy. The intersection, interaction and play between music, film, photography, installation was for me more interesting, exciting and rich then studying any single discipline alone.
"I left with a first class degree, a love of learning and a passion for mixing stuff up. My career in arts leadership and management has been framed by the interdisciplinary approach of the Expressive Arts course and is key to my success as an advocate for collaboration and playful creativity."
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