125th Anniversary Events
4 - 12 September 2010
This September marks the 125th anniversary of the opening of the School of Art building in Margaret Street. Designed by local architect John Henry Chamberlain, it was the first purpose-built art school in the country. Over the years, a wide variety of subjects have been taught in the building, including architecture, book illustration, ceramics, furniture design, house painting, needlework and printing as well as fine art. From 1993 to 1995, the building underwent an extensive renovation in which the public spaces were returned as much as possible to their original 19th century appearance and flexible new spaces were created. With the addition of wireless networks and facilities for digital work, this has ensured that fine art in all its contemporary forms continues to flourish in Margaret Street in the 21st century.
As part of the celebrations, there will be an exhibition entitled 'When We Build Let Us Think That We Build Forever'. This will be curated by Matt Williams, Curator of the International Project Space, Birmingham and co-editor of the publication NOVEL. It will include three newly commissioned works in response to the building and its historic collections alongside artworks by past members of staff and students, a 'Wall of Fame' of photographs of Heads of the School, and material documenting its history. All of the historical material will be from the University's Art and Design Archives, which are housed in the Margaret Street building. The exhibition will run from Saturday 4th until Sunday 12th September. There will also be exhibitions of work by MA students and current staff over the same period.
In addition, the Alumni Association are organising a drinks and canapes reception from 4.30 to 8.30 pm on Saturday 11 September. The event is free, and is open to former students and staff as well as friends of the School. However, places are limited and need to be booked through the Alumni Association at http://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/alumni/margaret-street-125/events