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 short courses through to Foundation, Diploma and Masters degrees. Students achieve ground-breaking work in visual arts or craft or deploy their skills in the conservation of our national and international cultural heritage.

Quick course finder

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 near Chichester 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 here 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.

You can still apply for 2018 entry for most subjects

Explore your study options

College Blog

School of Conservation Blog

Replication of a Marine Chronometer Gold Alloy Helical Spring: Conservation Project

Posted on 12th June 2018

The marine chronometer signed by John Lilley & son from 1929 has shown evidences of a failure of one of its major components. The helical hairspring which is co-regulating the frequency of the balance (factor determining the rate of the mechanism) was broken by fracture near its lower attachment point. The aim of the project was to provide a replacement spring for the chronometer which would possess the required mechanical properties (toughness, elasticity, shape, composition …).

Read article

Follow on Pinterest

Full Partner
QAA Report
QAA Action Plan
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