Morley College

Morley College, which dates from the 1880’s was founded by Emma Cons, social reformer, educationalist, suffragette and theatre manager. It was specifically aimed at working men and women, aided by money donated by Bristol based millionaire and philanthropist, Samuel Morley. The college is famed for its superb murals originally created in the 1920’s when William Rothenstein the then Head of the RCA was invited to recommend students to decorate the walls at Morley. Edward Bawden, Eric Ravilious and Charles Mahoney were the three chosen students. The magnificent murals officially completed in 1930 were destroyed ten years later during enemy action. It was not until 1955 that funding was secured for their re-creation.

Edward Bawden was again commissioned but this time John Piper and Justin Todd were brought into the project. A complete range of visual arts courses are taught at Morley ranging through ceramics, glass engraving, painting, printmaking, sculpture and photography. Alumni and staff, past and present that have taught, attended and exhibited there include Cyril Reason, Nick Schlee, Adrian Bartlett, Dennis Creffield, Maggi Hambling and Michael Salaman. The exhibition gallery which forms part of the college is open to artists who are not associated with Morley. 'Morley' has always been located on the south bank of the Thames in the Waterloo area of London at various locations. Today the main site is situated in Westminster Bridge Road, close to Lambeth North underground station.

Number of Artists referenced: 105