Bower Ashton Campus, Bristol
Encyclopedia
The School of Creative Arts of the University of the West of England
(formerly the Faculty of Art, Media and Design), forms the major part of the Faculty of Creative Arts following the University reorganisation in 2007. Adjacent to the Ashton Court
estate, on the edge of the city of Bristol
, in Bower Ashton
, the West of England College of Art was established here in purpose-built premises in 1969, moving from its previous location as the art school of the Royal West of England Academy
in Clifton
. In 1970 the college became part of Bristol Polytechnic, the precursor of the University.
Currently the campus is undergoing a programme of redevelopment. Phase 1 was completed in 2008 and included a new building (F Block), which is now the main entrance to the campus. The tower block (B block) was also refurbished. Specialist workshops and resource centres are available to students as well as a specialist art library. An art materials shop and stores provide discounted art materials and the UWE Students Union runs a licensed bar and shop. Every year in June the campus houses a Degree Show which is well attended by Bristol residents as well as friends and families of the graduating students.
The school has two departments: the Department of Culture, Media and Drama, most of which is located at St Matthias campus
and the Department of Art and Design. The Bristol School of Animation and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
are associate schools.
Among its Principals and Deans were the war artist Jack Chalker, the Graphic Designer Paul van Der Lem, and Paul Gough RWA, a Fine Artist and historian , who became the first Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty in its expanded form of over 2,600 students. Gough recently took up a new post as Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The School will form part of the new Faculty of Creative Arts, Humanities and Education, being formed during the academic year 2010/11 and Alex Gilkinson has been appointed as the new Executive Dean and Pro Vice Chancellor.
University of the West of England
The University of the West of England is a university based in the English city of Bristol. Its main campus is at Frenchay, about five miles north of the city centre...
(formerly the Faculty of Art, Media and Design), forms the major part of the Faculty of Creative Arts following the University reorganisation in 2007. Adjacent to the Ashton Court
Ashton Court
Ashton Court is a mansion house and estate to the west of Bristol in England. Although the estate lies mainly in North Somerset, it is owned by the City of Bristol. The estate has been a venue for a variety of leisure activities, including the now-defunct Ashton Court festival, Bristol...
estate, on the edge of the city of Bristol
Bristol
Bristol is a city, unitary authority area and ceremonial county in South West England, with an estimated population of 433,100 for the unitary authority in 2009, and a surrounding Larger Urban Zone with an estimated 1,070,000 residents in 2007...
, in Bower Ashton
Bower Ashton
Bower Ashton is a small district in south west Bristol on the western boundary with North Somerset, lying within the Southville ward, approximately two miles from the city centre...
, the West of England College of Art was established here in purpose-built premises in 1969, moving from its previous location as the art school of the Royal West of England Academy
Royal West of England Academy
The Royal West of England Academy is an art gallery where Queens Road meets Whiteladies Road, in Bristol, England.- History :The Academy was the first art gallery in Bristol. Its foundation was financed by a bequest of £2000 in the will of Ellen Sharples in 1849, and a group of artists in...
in Clifton
Clifton, Bristol
Clifton is a suburb of the City of Bristol in England, and the name of both one of the city's thirty-five council wards. The Clifton ward also includes the areas of Cliftonwood and Hotwells...
. In 1970 the college became part of Bristol Polytechnic, the precursor of the University.
Currently the campus is undergoing a programme of redevelopment. Phase 1 was completed in 2008 and included a new building (F Block), which is now the main entrance to the campus. The tower block (B block) was also refurbished. Specialist workshops and resource centres are available to students as well as a specialist art library. An art materials shop and stores provide discounted art materials and the UWE Students Union runs a licensed bar and shop. Every year in June the campus houses a Degree Show which is well attended by Bristol residents as well as friends and families of the graduating students.
The school has two departments: the Department of Culture, Media and Drama, most of which is located at St Matthias campus
St Matthias, Bristol
St Matthias is one of the campuses belonging to the University of the West of England. The campus is located in the suburb of Fishponds in Bristol.-History:...
and the Department of Art and Design. The Bristol School of Animation and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, opened by Laurence Olivier in 1946, is an affiliate of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, an organisation securing the highest standards of training in the performing arts, and is an associate school of the Faculty of Creative Arts of the University of the...
are associate schools.
Among its Principals and Deans were the war artist Jack Chalker, the Graphic Designer Paul van Der Lem, and Paul Gough RWA, a Fine Artist and historian , who became the first Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty in its expanded form of over 2,600 students. Gough recently took up a new post as Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The School will form part of the new Faculty of Creative Arts, Humanities and Education, being formed during the academic year 2010/11 and Alex Gilkinson has been appointed as the new Executive Dean and Pro Vice Chancellor.