Internationally recognised for excellence in arts and conservation.

Conservation of Ceramics at West Dean College

800+ Arts and craft short courses

Conservation and Craft skills courses -includes Metalwork, Furniture or Clocks

Study Fine Art - great studios, facilities and support for emerging artists

Explore your study options from creative short courses and professional development through to Foundation, Diploma and Masters degrees. Students achieve ground-breaking work in visual arts or deploy their skills in the conservation of our national and international cultural heritage.

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Studying at West Dean College

You can expect a creative environment with a forward thinking approach, professional connections and a rich heritage of creativity.

Small classes, talented tutors and exceptional facilities offer a rich study experience. Our degrees and diplomas are awarded by the University of Sussex.

The College is set in West Dean in Sussex in the former home of Edward James, poet, artist, designer and patron of the Surrealist Movement. It offers an inspirational setting for focused study, creativity and innovation.

Studying at West Dean College on a short course or for your degree or diploma, can be life-changing. Alumni are working with collections and museums of international significance or pursuing their creative practice.

We are currently accepting applications for 2018/2019.

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College Blog

A Closer Look at the Edward James Archive

Posted on 8th May 2018

West Dean's Archivist, Simon Coleman, recently delivered an evening lecture to introduce the cataloguing of the Edward James Archive which is currently underway. The talk provided an introduction to the Cultural Papers and highlighted material found in both these papers and in other sections of the Edward James Archive.

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School of Conservation Blog

In a sticky situation: the removal of pressure-sensitive tape from a 19th century case binding

Posted on 14th May 2018

Among the various nineteenth century case bindings that rest on the shelves in the West Dean Books department awaiting treatment was one that was different to the rest. It was particularly appealing as its binding was completely covered in pressure-sensitive adhesive tape and it was therefore an interesting challenge to take on for a beginning book conservation student.

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Students attending the awards day ceremony at West Dean College
Student collection award at West Dean College Easels at West Dean College

Help preserve our future

West Dean is part of a registered charity and relies on the support of generous donors, friends, legacies to help us deliver world-class education in conservation and the creative arts and maintain our award-winning gardens.

Find out how you can help support us