UH Arts + Culture are thrilled to present Living Memories of St Albans School of Art – a project that invites anyone with a connection to the School to share their stories as we celebrate its 150th anniversary.
Bringing together alumni, students and staff, as well as relations of those who were part of the school’s community, the project gathers personal memories to explore the School’s history and its influence on the region’s cultural life.
Founded in 1875 and originally based in St Albans Town Hall (now St Albans Museum + Gallery), St Albans School of Art began with a mission to provide lessons in art and science. Over the decades, it occupied multiple locations, underwent six name changes, and saw six Principals lead it through its first century. In 1992, the School – then known as Hertfordshire College of Art and Design – merged with Hatfield Polytechnic to form today’s University of Hertfordshire. It now resides within the School of Creative Arts, where it continues to nurture new generations of artists and designers.
Students at St Albans School of Art , circa 1980 © University of Hertfordshire archives
The research within this project has been co-created by inviting participants to share recollections in their own words. Through a series of sessions, contributors have recorded oral histories, explored local archives and art collections, and taken part in group conversations. This material was collated into a publication and laid the groundwork for a major dual-venue exhibition marking the School’s 150th anniversary. The first exhibition opened earlier this year at St Albans Museum + Gallery, while the second – Firm Foundations Part II: The Legacy of St Albans School of Art – is currently on display in the Art + Design Gallery at the University’s College Lane Campus.
Now entering its second phase, the project once again invites participants to contribute their stories through photographs, written memories or recorded oral histories. With additional funding, this new phase will expand our research by producing a new publication, dedicated website, podcasts, and a special co-produced article. To find out more or to get involved, please email uharts@herts.ac.uk
We extend our sincere thanks to all participants for their generosity in sharing their experiences and helping to build a growing research archive that honours this unique and influential School within the wider history of art education.
We look forward to discovering more stories and continuing to trace the School’s rich and inspiring legacy in this exciting next chapter!
This project is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, through an award from the University of Hertfordshire’s AHRC Impact Acceleration Account.
Protocol number: 1592 2025 Oct SSAH
Approving committee: University of Hertfordshire Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities Ethics Committee with Delegated Authority
Supported by
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Ideas Session: Living Memories of St Albans School of Art
Find out about the next stages of our research project and how you can get involved
Firm Foundations Part II: The Legacy of St Albans School of Art
Second part of the major dual exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of the St Albans School of Art