History
The University has its origins in five previously independent art, design, fashion and media colleges, which were brought together for administrative purposes to form the London Institute in 1986. Drama Centre London and Byam Shaw School of Art merged with Central Saint Martins in 1999 and 2006 respectively. Wimbledon College of Art joined in 2006. The colleges were originally established from the mid 19th century to the early 20th century.
Under the Education Reform Act 1988, the London Institute became a single legal entity, and the first court of governors were instated the following year in 1989. The first appointed Rector was Professor John McKenzie. The London Institute was incorporated as a higher education body in 1991 and was later granted academic degree awarding powers in 1993 by the Privy Council. Will Wyatt was appointed Chairman of Governors during the same year. Sir William Stubbs was appointed the second Rector after the retirement of McKenzie in 1996. A coat of arms was granted to the London Institute in 1998. Lord Stevenson was appointed the first chancellor in 2000.
On the retirement of Sir William Stubbs, Sir Michael Bichard was appointed as Rector in 2001 and encouraged the London Institute to apply for University status. The London Institute originally chose not to apply because its individual colleges were internationally recognised in their own right. In 2003, the London Institute received Privy Council approval for university status and was renamed University of the Arts London in 2004.
Wimbledon School of Art joined the university as a sixth college in 2006, and was renamed Wimbledon College of Art. Sir John Tusa was appointed as the new Chairman, replacing Will Wyatt, in 2007. Nigel Carrington, an international lawyer and former managing director of the McLaren Group, was appointed Rector in 2008, replacing Sir Michael Bichard.
From 2008 to 2010, a far-reaching efficiency programme saw a number of staff made redundant and courses close.
In 2011 playwright and actor Kwame Kwei-Armah became Chancellor, crowning an association with the University that began in 2002 when he studied for a Screenwriting MA at London College of Communication.
Central Saint Martins relocated to a purpose built complex situated in King's Cross in June 2011.
Read more about this topic: University Of The Arts London
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