BIAD School of Art Archive
c. 1820 - 1970
History
Formed out of Birmingham Society of Artists, the Birmingham Government School of Design opened in 1843. In 1884 it became Birmingham Municipal School of Arts and Crafts - the first municipal art school in the UK. In the same year it moved to a new building designed by John Chamberlain in Margaret Street. Under Edward R Taylor, Head from 1877-1903, teaching at School was strongly influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement. In 1890 the Vittoria Street School of Jewellery and Silversmithing was opened as a branch school in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery quarter. The School has had many changes of name as it continued to expand. It is currently part of a faculty of Birmingham City University.
Content
This collection covers the Birmingham School of Art from before its formation as a Government School of Design in 1843 until it joined Birmingham Polytechnic in 1971. It includes minute books, student registers, programmes and photographs that document the history of the School. The collection also contains a large number of works of art by past teachers and students. As well as fine art these include designs for fashion, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and metalwork, stained glass, furniture and interior design. It includes the works of the Birmingham School of Printing. The collection is particularly strong for the period c.1880-1920. At this time the Birmingham School of Art was one of the largest and most successful Art and Design Schools in the UK. There is also a collection of posters including many London underground and travel posters from the 1920s-50s.
Access
You can make an appointment to view this collection. It is currently being catalogued. A summary collection description and a catalogue database are available in the Archives.
Reference code: 2794 - SA