Visual Arts

The programme

The environment, accommodation and studio-workshops at West Dean are unique, providing the facilities to equip students with advanced practical skills.  A particular emphasis in the programme is placed on the interrelation between aesthetics and visual art, enabling students with existing substantial portfolios to bring an academic dimension to their work and to have this theoretical perspective integrated into their developing portfolio. Students can choose to specialise in Painting and Drawing, in Sculpture, or in Tapestry and Textile Art, working alongside postgraduate students taking Postgraduate Diplomas in those three subjects. Students will learn both new and traditional techniques at the same time as developing a critical awareness of the area in which they are specialising. The programme is directed toward the integration of theory, technique and artistry in the development of a final portfolio. Students will develop the practical and academic skills appropriate for work in the visual arts at an advanced undergraduate level.

The tutors

• Dr Edward Winters
• Pat Taylor

Click to view the tutor profiles

The facilities

The programme is delivered in purpose-built and dedicated workshops and studios equipped for your specialisation. You will have your own personal studio space which includes a dedicated screened area, a mobile locker with work surface and a work chair. IT facilities are available within the studio-workshops, including a scanner, digital camera, image manipulation software and Internet access. Additional computers are sited within the college library and IT suite. There is also a photographic studio and fully equipped lecture rooms. All necessary basic materials are supplied and students are encouraged and advised how to build up their own equipment. A wide range of short courses is available to develop particular areas of professional practice.