A far cry from the school or Art & Design that I attended as a kid, I’ve always been enamored with Leeds. (with alum like Damien Hirst, its hard not to be).
Founded in 1846 as the Leeds School of Art, they only accept 640 students a year. So when a professor from the University for the Creative Arts (Advertising & Brand Communications) reached out to ask if i’d participate in their mentoring program, I jumped. literally. We love to support the arts in any way we can, which is why we host our annual art camps. Part of Leeds curriculum is to work with Creative Directors across the globe, who tutor students. Give creative briefs, critique work, guide the creative process – essentially what we already do at our day jobs. I’m looking forward to working with a handful of the students, and visiting the campus. (the building alone is worth a trip across the pond)
Stay tuned for more on this little adventure. (I’m determined to find the British equivalent of summer camp)
“Over the last 160 years, Leeds College of Art has contributed significantly to the development of art education in Britain, having pioneered new ways to teach and to structure qualifications. In 1846, the Leeds Mechanics’ Institute (which offered drawing classes) merged with the Literary Institute, creating Leeds School of Art. In 1903, it moved to our present Vernon Street building, whose radical design reflected the clean lines of the Art & Craft movement. Following the world wars, ex-service personnel resuming their education filled the College almost to bursting. Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth (enrolling in 1919 and 1920, respectively) were students of this era”
Some of the images from their archives look like they could have been shot at camp.- We love it:
