Manuscripts, Archives and Art Collections Retrieval SystemManuscripts, Archives and Art Collections Retrieval SystemThe Slade School of Fine Art opened in 1871. The original foundation came from the legacy of Felix Slade, a noted patron of the arts and, although the buildings were enlarged in 1880 and 1994,the School still occupies the same premises on the north side of the main UCL quad. In the 1870s the College not only raised funds to complete the building, but also evolved its own pioneering view of what a University based study of fine art might be. Then, as now, the Slade was recognised as the foremost institution in the UK for the education of fine artists, awarding first undergraduate diplomas then degrees of the University of London. Postgraduate studies commenced formally in 1966 with the Higher Diploma in Fine Art; the School now offers two masters programmes (M.F.A and M.A.) and an M.Phil/Ph.D.
In earlier years the Slade was noted for its instruction in drawing (Alphonse Legros, Henry Tonks) and painting (Edwin Poynter, Legros, P. Wilson Steer). From 1894 to 1910, several intakes of distinguished students established the School artistically - Augustus and Gwen John and William Orpen in the 1890s; then, around 1900, Wyndham Lewis, Spencer Gore and Harold Gilman; and a little later, Stanley Spencer, Mark Gertler, C.R.W. Nevinson and Dora Carrington. Sculpture became increasingly important from the mid 20s,(taught by A.H.Gerrard and Reg Butler). Printmaking developed strongly from the 1950s under the direction of John Buckland Wright, Anthony Gross, and, from the late 50s until recently, Barto dos Santos. In Tonks' last year, 1929, Stage Design was established by Vladimir Polunin, who had earlier been associated with Diaghilev: this has continued under Robert Medley and Peter Snow; outstanding students include Derek Jarman.
From 1949, under Sir William Coldstream and his colleagues, a period of distinguished painting, theory and teaching developed. During these years activity diversified, and from 1960 until the early 1980s included a Film Course, which was centred particularly on an academic study of the documentary. This was for many years directed by Thorald Dickinson. From the period after World War II, distinguished students in painting and sculpture have included William Turnbull, Edouardo Paolozzi, Bernard and Harold Cohen, Paula Rego, Michael Andrews, and Euan Uglow.
The present Slade Professor is Bernard Cohen. For information on current programmes and details of present teaching staff and their work, please see the Slade's Home Page.