The perfect place to grow: 175 years of the Royal College of Art

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A world-class exhibition filled with a spectacular collection of 350 works by over 180   (mainly) British artists and designers, has opened at the Royal College of Art, in Kensington, London. ‘The Perfect Place to Grow: 175 Years of the Royal College of Art’ celebrates the achievements of past and present principals, tutors and students who have each contributed to giving the RCA global recognition as the most renowned institution for art and design.

The world’s oldest art and design school was established in 1837 as the Government School of Art and Design, in Somerset House, Strand, under the authority of the Board of Trade. In 1864 it was renamed National Art Training School and relocated to South Kensington. In 1896 it was given permission by Queen Victoria to be renamed Royal College of Art; Central School of Arts & Crafts.

On display are examples of works by an array of famous names from the world of art and design, past and present: Henry Cole, Gertrude Jekyll and Tracey Emin (whose 2001 work The Perfect Place to Grow, is both exhibited and referred to in the exhibition’s title), James Dyson, Ian Dury and Zandra Rhodes, Henry Moore, Edward Bawden, Eric Ravilous and Bridget Riley, David Mach, Spartacus Chetwynd and David Hockney are just a few of the many who are part of the RCA’s extraordinary 175-year history. It is ‘must-see’ exhibition. (On until 3 January 2013.)

Rosalind Ormiston

Royal College of Art
Kensington Gore
London SW7 2EU

16 November 2012 – 3 January 2012

Admission Free

Open 10 a.m.–5.30 p.m. daily, late opening until 8 p.m. on Fridays (excluding16 November)

Further information see the RCA's website