The Liverpool School of Art and its Archive: 1825-2025

Abstract

Among the Colleges which would eventually join the Liverpool Polytechnic in 1970, and becoming LJMU in 1992, one of the oldest is the Liverpool School of Art, whose archival papers are managed by LJMU Special Collections & Archives.

Evolving from the 1823 Mechanics’ and Apprentices’ Library was the 1825 Mechanics’ Institute, the earliest English School of Art outside of London – although the only real artistic instruction provided was a Ship Drafting class. In 1832, the school was renamed the Liverpool Mechanics’ Institution and the Liverpool School of Art became first a separate Department of the Liverpool Institute, eventually splitting from the Institute in 1905 to amalgamate with the Applied Art Section for the University of Liverpool and later receiving the title of Regional College of Art from 1949 onwards.  

Amongst the many treasures within its archive include: a comprehensive body of historical student artwork; student photographs; hand-drawn student magazines from as early as 1910; extensive design work and photography from the Department of Fashion c.1948-present; records of the student degree shows and dress parades; as well as administrative records, staff records, teaching material, and building plans.