At any one time, we have an approximately equal number of full-time advanced level and part-time short course students from across the UK and around the world.
Edward James, a patron of the surrealist artists Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, opened West Dean College in 1971 to realise the educational aim of his Foundation. West Dean College now employs more than 300 tutors and enjoys an average staff to student ratio of 1 to 7. Our specialist subject areas include the conservation and restoration of ceramics, clocks, books, furniture, metals and buildings and these are complemented by a long established programme in making stringed musical instruments. Innovative contemporary art production takes place in our painting and sculpture studios and in our professional tapestry weaving studio. Teaching at West Dean focuses upon the development of advanced making skills, supported by critical and technical theory.
Conservation students work on objects from many different sources including West Dean House, national and international museums and other private collections. A series of 'Open Studio' events and seminars provide students and tutors with an opportunity to share expertise and skills with peers on related programmes of study and to make new professional contacts.
Students of visual arts, while engaged with innovative contemporary practice, are exposed to many different objects of historical significance and are encouraged to develop a personal aesthetic language. Students of conservation learn how to preserve and restore objects of exquisite quality and have the opportunity to make and design original objects. We have found that such an environment inspires our students to take an innovative approach to their professional practice.
National and international partners with whom we have established productive working relationships include the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Slade School of Fine Art, the Tate Modern, Winterthur Museum in Delaware, The Metropolitan Museum in New York, The Institute of Archaeology, The Courtauld Institute, The Institute of Conservation (ICON), English Heritage, The National Trust, Historic Scotland, National Museums Liverpool, The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Pallant House Gallery in Chichester and the Cass Sculpture Foundation at Goodwood.
West Dean College collaborates with other private organisations including the British Antique Dealers' Association (BADA), which supports our specialist programmes by giving lectures, supplying rare objects and by awarding an annual scholarship. The majority of graduates are employed by museums and private workshops while some prefer to set up new businesses. The College has an extensive network of professional contacts and our students are introduced to potential employers on a regular basis.
The MA in Visual Arts is aimed at students who wish to develop a deeper philosophical and critical understanding of their practice. The programme enjoys a close relationship with the Slade School of Fine Art and our students are able to work in well equipped studios set in the beautiful landscape of the South Downs.
The MA in Conservation Studies provides students with research skills and professional practice skills. West Dean College is currently developing new opportunities for research students in collaboration with the University of Sussex and the Institute of Archaeology so if you would like to learn more about this unique place then I look forward to welcoming you here in the near future.
 |