Art and Design Education in the UK

This paper seeks to identify the philosophical origins of the teaching of art and design and subsequently trace its incorporation into a teaching program in the UK. It briefly discusses the nature of its classical ‘drawing’ background and the conflicts in the debate as to what ‘design’ means. It then goes on to identify the cultural and political context which shaped the institutions, such as Art Schools, Regional Art and Design Schools, Municipal Institutes, and finally faculties within the University system. There are some indications of curriculum for the early stages of the Regional Schools and concludes with an indicative summary of the structure of a large University Faculty of Art and Design.