
Nottingham College of Art, Nottingham
The Nottingham College of Art, now part of Nottingham Trent University’s School of Art & Design, traces its origins to 1843 when it opened as the Nottingham Government School of Design—the first government-funded art school outside London. From its earliest years, the school was committed to public engagement, with students' works featured in major events such as the 1851 Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace.
By 1888, it had become the Nottingham Municipal School of Art and Design, overseen by the Nottingham Castle Museum and School of Art Committee. One of its most celebrated early students, Laura Knight, enrolled in 1890 and later became the first British female artist to be made a Dame of the British Empire. Another notable alumnus, Dudley Dexter Watkins, creator of Desperate Dan and Lord Snooty, began his artistic training here in 1922.
The school was renamed the Nottingham College of Art in 1934 but suffered significant bomb damage during World War II. In 1947, it took on a new regional role as the Central College of Art for Derby, Lincoln, Leicester, and Nottingham. It housed four distinct schools—Architecture, Design, Drawing, and Sculpture. In the 1960s, the college embraced the conceptual art movement, notably hiring influential sculptor Victor Burgin.
In 1969, it merged with the Regional College of Technology to form Trent Polytechnic, and by 1992 it became a founding part of Nottingham Trent University. Today, the School of Art & Design remains one of the oldest in the UK, continuing its long-standing commitment to innovation in art and design.
Its historic home, the Waverley Building, designed by Frederick Bakewell in Italianate style and opened in 1865, was originally built to support the city’s lace industry through design education. It has since been refurbished to provide modern facilities while preserving its architectural heritage, including exhibition spaces and improved accessibility.
By 1888, it had become the Nottingham Municipal School of Art and Design, overseen by the Nottingham Castle Museum and School of Art Committee. One of its most celebrated early students, Laura Knight, enrolled in 1890 and later became the first British female artist to be made a Dame of the British Empire. Another notable alumnus, Dudley Dexter Watkins, creator of Desperate Dan and Lord Snooty, began his artistic training here in 1922.
The school was renamed the Nottingham College of Art in 1934 but suffered significant bomb damage during World War II. In 1947, it took on a new regional role as the Central College of Art for Derby, Lincoln, Leicester, and Nottingham. It housed four distinct schools—Architecture, Design, Drawing, and Sculpture. In the 1960s, the college embraced the conceptual art movement, notably hiring influential sculptor Victor Burgin.
In 1969, it merged with the Regional College of Technology to form Trent Polytechnic, and by 1992 it became a founding part of Nottingham Trent University. Today, the School of Art & Design remains one of the oldest in the UK, continuing its long-standing commitment to innovation in art and design.
Its historic home, the Waverley Building, designed by Frederick Bakewell in Italianate style and opened in 1865, was originally built to support the city’s lace industry through design education. It has since been refurbished to provide modern facilities while preserving its architectural heritage, including exhibition spaces and improved accessibility.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Nottingham. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Nottingham College of Art on Map
Sight Name: Nottingham College of Art
Sight Location: Nottingham, England (See walking tours in Nottingham)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Nottingham, England (See walking tours in Nottingham)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Nottingham, England
Create Your Own Walk in Nottingham
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nottingham is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Nottingham Introduction Walking Tour
Nottingham was known only as "The Place of Caves" in 600 AD. A Saxon chief named Snot ruled "Snotingaham", or, "the home of Snot's people." It was part of Danelaw in the 7th century, administered from a stone Hall on High Pavement, the first street of Nottingham.
In 1068 Norman invaders built a wooden motte-and-bailey fortress on a high sandstone promontory.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
In 1068 Norman invaders built a wooden motte-and-bailey fortress on a high sandstone promontory.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Robin Hood Trail
There's hardly anyone on this planet who hasn't heard of Robin Hood. Apparently, a Saxon nobleman born in 1160 in Loxley, this hero of numerous ballads, some dating back as far as the 14th century, earned fame by robbing from the rich and giving it back to the poor. A skilled archer and sword fighter as he was, Robin Hood famously defended villagers from attacks by corrupt noblemen,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Nottingham's Historical Buildings
Given the variety of architectural styles and designs in Nottingham, England, it is safe to call it the city of contrasts. The tapestry of historical buildings found here, each weaving a unique story of the city's past, is quite rich and worthy of attention.
Among these architectural treasures is the Bell Inn, a charming establishment steeped in history and character. Its traditional... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Among these architectural treasures is the Bell Inn, a charming establishment steeped in history and character. Its traditional... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles