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A brief history

Today's University is a collection of several individually renowned colleges and schools. Dating from 1854 to the most recent addition in 2003, these organisations have brought their own reputations and skills to the University.

1854
Saint Martins, the first of the Institute's colleges is established. Now part of Central St. Martins.

1891
Chelsea College established.

1894/5
Printing College established, now called the London College of Communication.

1896
Central College established. Now part of Central St. Martins.

1898
Camberwell College established.

1915
Barrett Street Trade School established. This was the forerunner to the London College of Fashion.

1921
Retail & Distributive Trades College established. Now part of the London College of Communication.

1965-88
Formerly controlled by London County Council, the Colleges are now run by the Inner London Education Authority.

1967
London College of Fashion established.

1983
ILEA review of Further & Higher Education leading to.

1986
Establishment of The London Institute.
John McKenzie appointed as first Rector.

1988
Under the Education Reform Act the Institute is incorporated as separate legal entity.

1989
First Court of Governors for Institute as freestanding corporation.
Central & Saint Martins merged as Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design.

1990
Printing and Distributive Trades merged as LCPDT.

1991
Incorporation of Institute as higher education body.

1993
Taught Degree Awarding Powers approved by Privy Council.

1996
Sir William Stubbs appointed as Rector on retirement of Professor McKenzie.
Queen's Anniversary Prize for pioneering work in the conservation of works of art on paper at Camberwell College of Arts

1998
Coat of Arms granted for the Institute.
Queen's Anniversary Prize in recognition of the contribution that Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design has made to the UK fashion industry.

1999
Drama Centre London (DCL) merged into CSM.
Will Wyatt CBE appointed as Chairman of Governors.

2000
Cordwainers College merged into LCF.
First Chancellor of the Institute installed - Lord (Dennis) Stevenson.

2001
Application for Research Degree Awarding Powers submitted.
Michael Bichard appointed as Rector on retirement of Sir William Stubbs.

2002
Granted Research Degree Awarding Powers.

2003
Institute received Privy Council approval for University title.
Awarded University title.
Byam Shaw School of Art merged with CSM.

2004
London College of Printing renamed as London College of Communication.

2004
The London Institute renamed University of the Arts London.