Wimbledon School of Art

Wimbledon College of Art began back to 1890 when an art class was established for the Rutlish School for Boys in nearby Merton. Between 1904 and 1920 this was located in the Wimbledon Technical Institute in Gladstone Road. It became independent in 1930 and moved to Merton Hall Road in 1940. Theatre design was added to the curriculum in 1932 and became an independent department in 1948. By 1974 degree courses were established and twenty-one years later theses courses were accredited by the University of Surrey. Wimbledon School of Art became part of the University of the Arts London in 2006 and was then renamed Wimbledon College of Art. Its 'fellow' colleges include Camberwell School of Art, Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, Chelsea College of Art & Design, London College of Communication and London College of Fashion. Alumni and members of staff include Tessa Newcombe, Archibald Knox, Douglas Cooper, Chris Le Brun, Malvina Cheek, Maggi Hambling, Prunella Clough, Yolanda Sonnabend, Pauline Boty, Mick Rooney, William Brooker and Turner Prize winners Tony Cragg and Peter Doig.