Clapham School of Art

The School originated in 1884 when a small group of local residents formed a Company with the express wish for arts and crafts to be taught in the Clapham area. It was originally located in Edgeley Road, Clapham, under the direction of Leonard Charles Nightingale, an artist who had already had many years' experience in teaching at the Lambeth School of Art and Chiswick School of Art and thus was appointed the School's first Principal. Fine Art was the main subject taught there but also on the curriculum were wood carving, sculpture, gilding, embroidery, pottery and textiles. Arguably its chief area of success was book illustration which produced such exponents as Margaret Tarrant. Other alumni include Mary Kessell, Sam Haile, Leonard Fuller and James Stroudley. The School appears to have closed at the outbreak of World War II and not re-opened after. Although I can not be certain of this fact. Confirmation would be appreciated.