University of Art London - Central Saint Martins

CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS

1 Granary Square, London England

Before this school grew to become Central Saint Martins, University of Art London, it had a small start and a big finish.  It began as St. Martins School of Art.  That was founded in 1854 and focused on fine art and fashion.  The Central School of Arts and Crafts was founded in 1896 and it focused on a wide range of design disciplines including theater, industrial and graphic design.  They merged in 1989.

In 1999 The Drama Center London joined Central Saint Martins, or CSM, and in 2002 the Byam Shaw School of Art - founded in 1910 as a drawing and painting school - joined CSM.  In 2004 the school joined the University of Art London.

In 2012 Central Saint Martins moved to a large building in the Kings Cross area.  They are very proud of this building and it's large open concept.  CSM feels it allows the exchange of ideas and techniques across it's many disciplines, acting as a huge workshop of thinking and making.

Because of this melting pot of art schools there is a large range of study options for a bachelor of arts degree.  Architecture, ceramics, culture criticism & curating (gallery, museum, and media careers) theater and directing, fine art, graphic art, jewelry and product design, textile design and FASHION DESIGN!

Central Saint Martin's fashion department is to be "a nurturing environment that champions originality and innovation" also with a competitive atmosphere.  For a BA in Fashion Design a student needs to pick one pathway: knitwear, menswear, womenswear, fashion print (I am guessing fabric design), communications for students who are passionate about fashion but don't want to design.  Hmnmm, Mimi wants to do both men's and women's designing.

The application is to the University of Art London and they require England's common app, an essay, high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores and the portfolio review.  I thought the answer for "how many pieces should I have in my portfolio?" was cute; "if you use a zip closure portfolio such as Artcare and the zip is under strain, then you probably have too much"  Thanks for that!

The vibe we get from this school is cool, electric, exciting and challenging.  No wonder it's one of the finest art schools in the world!  

We've got to get an appointment for a school tour when we're in London.  Not really we exactly.  Mimi is going to go to London with her father, but have no fear! I will be meeting them in Paris!  I guess it would be a good time to learn about "guest bloggers" when I am not in London!

Pam