Camberwell College of Arts

Camberwell College of Arts stands in the London Borough of Southwark, occupying a site shared with the South London Gallery. The college began in 1898 as the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts and became part of the University of the Arts London in 1989. Its buildings include a modern block added in 1973, both now listed for their architectural importance. The college offers specialist degrees in painting, sculpture, photography and drawing alongside design courses in graphic design, illustration and 3D design. It has been ranked as the top British art school by The Times. The college’s history is closely linked with the South London Gallery, which opened in 1891 on land purchased by William Rossiter. During the Second World War, Victor Pasmore led the painting department and taught alongside Frank Auerbach, Lawrence Gowing and Edward Ardizzone. In the 1980s, Wendy Smith expanded the Fine Art department, bringing in artists such as Cornelia Parker, Phyllida Barlow and Gavin Jantjes. The college also runs The Camberwell Press and has strong ties with its sister colleges Chelsea and Wimbledon through the CCW partnership. Visitors find a working art school with studios, workshops and exhibition spaces. The college shares its site with the South London Gallery, which hosts contemporary art shows. Nearby, Peckham Platform presents location-specific artwork made by local artists. The college’s buildings include the original Portland House and the modern block added in 1973, both recognised for their design. The surrounding area in Southwark offers a mix of cultural venues and local life.