York School of Design

• York School of Design; 1842-1905

A School of Design was opened in York in 1842 as a branch of the 'Normal School of Design in London' (later the Science and Art Department). William Etty, the York-based celebrated Royal Academy painter was heavily involved in its creation.

The first premises for the school were in Little Blake Street (the building was later demolished in the 1860s to make way for Duncombe Place). The London School supported the York venture with subscriptions and a grant. The school later moved to Minster Yard in 1848.

The average attendance in 1854 was 131, however in 1865 the numbers had declined, especially amongst artisan pupils, after the removal of the grant from London. In 1890 there were 76 day pupils and 124 evening pupils and the premises were described as unfit for teaching. The school then transferred to the north gallery of the Exhibition Buildings in St Leonard's Place, which had been purchased by the York Corporation in 1891.

The School of Design was then joined with the Art School which had been part of the Technical Institute in Clifford Street in 1905, and it moved to the Exhibition Building in 1905. Their combined pupil roll of 435 students were then administered by the city's Education Department.
Joined with the Art School (which had been part of the Technical Institute in Clifford Street) in 1905 to form York School of Art.

A school teaching various types of art, originally funded by the 'Normal School of Design in London'.

A School of Design was opened in York in 1842 as a branch of the 'Normal School of Design in London' (later the Science and Art Department). William Etty, the York-based celebrated Royal Academy painter was heavily involved in its creation. \n\nThe first premises for the school were in Little Blake Street (the building was later demolished in the 1860s to make way for Duncombe Place). The London School supported the York venture with subscriptions and a grant. The school later moved to Minster Yard in 1848. \n\nThe average attendance in 1854 was 131, however in 1865 the numbers had declined, especially amongst artisan pupils, after the removal of the grant from London. In 1890 there were 76 day pupils and 124 evening pupils and the premises were described as unfit for teaching. The school then transferred to the north gallery of the Exhibition Buildings in St Leonard's Place, which had been purchased by the York Corporation in 1891. \n\nThe School of Design was then joined with the Art School which had been part of the Technical Institute in Clifford Street in 1905, and it moved to the Exhibition Building in 1905. Their combined pupil roll of 435 students were then administered by the city's Education Department.

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Volunteer research notes.