About Us
Established 1856
Founded in 1856 as the Plymouth Drawing School, the institution now known as Arts University Plymouth has evolved through different names and eras, including Plymouth College of Art, while staying rooted in practice-led creative education in Plymouth.
Plymouth School of Art on Princess Street c1920. Photo by Heath. Image provided by The Box
<p>Across our history, creativity here has been about people, place and practice. Learning through materials and processes, collaboration and curiosity, and taking that energy into the world.</p>
<p><strong>1856:</strong> Plymouth Drawing School opens at 37 Park Street (soon known as Plymouth School of Art)</p>
<p><strong>1892:</strong> Plymouth School of Art moves into the Jubilee Memorial Science, Art and Technical School Building on Tavistock Road</p>
<p><strong>1919:</strong> renamed Plymouth Municipal School of Art</p>
<p><strong>1949:</strong> renamed Plymouth College of Art and Crafts, based at Palace Court near the Barbican</p>
<p><strong>1965:</strong> renamed Plymouth College of Art and Design</p>
<p><strong>1974:</strong> Tavistock Place campus formally dedicated</p>
<p><strong>2008: </strong>returns to the name Plymouth College of Art</p>
<p><strong>2009: </strong>Making Futures® begins in Plymouth</p>
<p><strong>2014:</strong> Fab Lab Plymouth established</p>
<p><strong>2019:</strong> Plymouth joins Fab City, with Plymouth College of Art as a core partner</p>
<p><strong>2022:</strong> granted university title, becoming Arts University Plymouth</p>
<p><strong>2026:</strong> founding of the Centre for Circular Materials</p>
<p>During our 170th anniversary year, we will share the stories of surprising, ambitious and meaningful journeys that began in Arts University Plymouth, celebrating our connection to the city of Plymouth and the South West. In the spirit of Plymouth’s new city narrative as a place to <em>make life an adventure</em>, we’ve invited our community past and present to reflect on their experiences by sharing their memories and stories with us. </p>
Plymouth College of Art in 2013 as seen from Tavistock Place
<p>You can also send memories, photographs or suggested corrections to <a href="mailto:editor@aup.ac.uk">editor@aup.ac.uk</a>.</p>
Plymouth College of Art and Design in 2003, as seen from Regent Street
<p>The year will also include reunion events for alumni and staff, special projects with our Young Arts students, as well as exhibitions and public events.</p>
<p>Explore the full timeline to discover the people, places and turning points that have shaped Arts University Plymouth since 1856, and help us enrich the record for future generations.</p>
