The
Courtauld works to advance how we see and understand the visual arts, as an
internationally-renowned centre for the teaching, research of art history and a
major public gallery. Founded by collectors and philanthropists in the 1930s,
the organization has been at the forefront of the study of art ever since,
through advanced research and conservation practice, innovative teaching, the
renowned collection and inspiring exhibitions of its gallery, and engaging and
accessible activities, education, and events.
The Courtauld cares for one of the greatest
art collections in the UK, sharing these works with the public at the Courtauld
Gallery in central London, as well as through loans and partnerships. The gallery is most famous for its iconic Impressionist and Post-Impressionist
masterpieces – such as Van Gogh’s Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear and
Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. It showcases these alongside an
internationally renowned collection of works from the Renaissance through to
the present day.
Academically, The Courtauld faculty is the largest community of art historians and conservators in the UK, teaching and
carrying out research on subjects from creativity in late Antiquity to
contemporary digital artforms – with an increasingly global focus. An
independent college of the University of London, The Courtauld offers a range
of degree programmes from BA to Ph.D. in the History of Art, curating, and the
conservation of easel and wall paintings. Its alumni are leaders and innovators
in the arts, culture, and business worlds, helping to shape the global agenda
for the arts and creative industries.
The Courtauld’s own recently refurbished residence is located about 50 metres from Somerset House, on the corner of the Strand and Lancaster Place.
The location is an ideal way to immerse yourself as a Central London student. Duchy offers instant access to the attractions of Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Oxford Street, West End Theatres and being just off Waterloo Bridge you have instant access to the Southbank. Cinemas, clubs, music venues are all very close by. Galleries, (of course!) are in close vicinity to Duchy House, with The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery just down the Strand, Tate Modern on the South Bank and naturally The Courtauld Gallery.
The Courtauld is small but mighty- and our alumni are testament to that. our community spans 83 countries across the world, forming an international powerhouse that influences the arts and Creative sectors on a global scale. many of the world's major museums and galleries are led by Courtauld graduates, but our alumni also go on to become pioneers in a wide range of sectors- including technology, law, finance, journalism, marketing, and politics.
"Be the change that you want to see in the world and carry yourself with courage and conviction in the knowledge that you have a Courtauld education under your belt. You are the future."