Chelsea College of Science and Technology
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Chelsea College of Science and Technology had its origins as South-Western Polytechnic, which was opened at Manresa Road, Chelsea, London, England in 1895 to provide scientific and technical education to Londoners. Day and evening classes for men and women were held in domestic economy, mathematics, engineering, natural science, art and music. Art was taught from the beginning of the Polytechnic, and included design, weaving, embroidery and electrodeposition. Instruction in design especially adapted to various industries was an early feature of teaching in art at Chelsea.
The South-Western Polytechnic became Chelsea Polytechnic in 1922 and taught a growing number of registered students of the University of London.
At the beginning of the 1930s, the interests of the school of art began to widen, including courses in craft training. Teaching began to cover commercial design, with courses including package design, block-printed fabrics, knotted rugs, painted furniture and typographical lay-out introduced between 1931 and 1938. Fine art courses appeared, with a sculpture department founded under the Principal, H. S. Williamson. Notable teachers in the School of Art have included Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland, Lawrence Gowing, Norbert Lynton and Patrick Caulfield. On 1 January 1957 the college was designated a College of Advanced Technology, and became known as Chelsea College of Science and Technology.
The School of Art was separated and became independent: Chelsea College of Art and Design is now part of the University of the Arts.
Chelsea College of Science and Technology was admitted as a School of the University of London in 1966. The College was granted its Royal Charter in 1971. Chelsea College merged with King's and Queen Elizabeth College in 1985.
Famous alumni
Miriam Rothschild FRS attended evening classes in zoology at Chelsea Polytechnic
