market week

market week

07/10/10 - 14/10/10

Leeds College of Art invites you to attend market week. Welcome to one of the most exciting colleges for art, design and the crafts in the country, based in one of its most exciting cities! We’re small and friendly enough to offer a uniquely focused learning experience, and big enough to offer you all the opportunities, resources and support you need.

Our strongly vocational approach means your creativity will be channelled towards future success. Students benefit from opportunities and challenges like live briefs, work placements, competitions, exhibitions and awards - a fantastic springboard for your career. The Graduation Ceremony is a special occasion where you can formally celebrate all the hard work you put into achieving your degree whilst wearing a big fruity gown and hat.

Over the last 160 years, Leeds College of Art has contributed significantly to the development of art education in Britain, having pioneered new ways to teach and to structure qualifications. In 1842, the Leeds Mechanics’ Institute (which offered drawing classes) merged with the Literary Institute, creating Leeds School of Art. In

1903, it moved to our present Vernon Street building, whose radical design reflected the clean lines of the Art & Craft movement.

Following the world wars, ex-service personnel resuming their education filled the College almost to bursting. Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth (enrolling in 1919 and 1920, respectively) were students of this era. By 1946, no less than fifteen past students had been appointed as principals of schools of art. As our reputation grew, new design departments were formed, including furniture, graphic design and printmaking. A new pottery and workshops were built, and in 1959 a new library was created.

From the 1950s to the 1970s, there was a reappraisal of art education in Britain, largely based on ideas developed at Leeds, where a large team of practising artists set up the Basic Design Course. Students were now encouraged to adopt a scientific approach, enabling them to develop a capacity for constructive criticism and understanding. Around that time, the University of Leeds’ new Gregory Fellowship brought many practising artists to Leeds.