Tunbridge Wells School of Art

The School came into being in 1888 as Tunbridge Wells Technical Institute offering classes in drawing, modelling and brass work supported by voluntary subscription. Its first Headmaster Oliver Bevis began his tenure in 1893 and did not retire until 1921. During his time there had been talks about the possibility of merging with the nearby Tonbridge School of Art but nothing ever came of it. The school received official recognition in 1902 and was formally known as Tunbridge Wells Technical Institute and School of Art. He was followed by Thomas Jones Jones who held office until 1934. The third and final Principal Owen Jennings came to Tunbridge Wells he inherited a curriculum that included Drawing, Painting, Metalwork, Typography and Painting & Decorating. These continued under Jennings who believed in the importance of vocational training, not just the study of fine art.

After World War II, by the 1950's there were 350 students of whom 50 were full-time. In 1963 Kent County Council was looking to rationalise and Maidstone was the logical choice. Owen Jennings retired in July 1965 and the School of Art was combined with Culverden House to create the Tunbridge Wells Centre for Education and Art. In its seventy-year history, though, the School of Art had taught thousands of students. By this time Kent colleges and schools of art were organised regionally and Maidstone and Medway formed the centre. Beckenham, Bromley, Sidcup, Dover, Folkestone, Gravesend, Thanet, Tunbridge Wells and Ramsgate colleges grouped around Maidstone and Medway. In the 1974 local government reorganisation Beckenham, Bromley and Sidcup were merged into Ravensbourne College of Art.

Tunbridge alumni and staff included Peggy Fortnum, the illustrator of the Paddington Bear stories, Humphrey Ocean, printmaker Ricard Vicary and Morris Weidman.