Here on the leafy Headington Hill Campus sits the Richard Hamilton Building. This building is named in honour of a founding father of the Pop Art movement. It is part of Oxford Brookes University and home to the School of Arts.
Oxford Brookes University has a rich history dating back to 1865. It began as the Oxford School of Art. The school occupied one room on the ground floor of the Taylor Institution in the city centre.
In 1870, the school started offering science and technical subjects. They also held evening classes in the University Museum. By 1871, the school moved to the basement of the Taylor Institution. This move made way for the Ruskin School of Art.
The Oxford City Council’s Technical Instruction Committee took over the school in 1891. It was then renamed Oxford City Technical School. Rapid growth led to the school being declared inadequate by 1899. Expansion was forbidden.
John Henry Brookes became Vice-Principal in 1928. He was also Head of the School of Art. At this time, the school was scattered across 19 sites. Brookes greatly influenced the institution for 30 years. He wanted education accessible to all.
In 1934, the Technical School and School of Art merged. This formed the Schools of Technology, Art, and Commerce. John Henry Brookes became the first Principal. A new location was secured on Headington Hill in 1949.
However, planning permission was rejected in 1950. Despite the Ministry of Education setting aside money, the City Council rejected the plans. There was public outcry. Kenneth Wheare of Oxford University launched a public campaign.
The proposals were approved in 1952. The institution’s name changed to College of Technology, Art, and Commerce. Lord Nuffield laid the foundation stone in 1955. John Henry Brookes called the move to Headington “setting foot in the Promised Land”.
The institution was renamed Oxford College of Technology in 1956. John Henry Brookes retired. In 1970, it became Oxford Polytechnic. Control passed to Oxfordshire County Council in 1974.
John Henry Brookes died in 1975. In 1992, Oxford Polytechnic became Oxford Brookes University. It honoured its founding Principal, John Brookes.
Oxford Brookes University acquired Headington Hill Hall in 1993. This 14-acre site was formerly home to Robert Maxwell and Pergamon Press. Princess of Wales visited the University to mark its new status.
In 1996, the School of Art, Publishing and Music moved into a refurbished building. This building was named the Richard Hamilton Building. It honoured the founding father of Pop Art.
Oxford Brookes University has continued to evolve. It merges with Westminster College and opens new facilities. The Richard Hamilton Building remains a vital part of the university’s School of Arts.
So as you stand before the Richard Hamilton Building. Remember its place in Oxford Brookes University. It’s a centre for creativity and artistic study. It stands as a testament to the university’s commitment. It showcases the university’s dedication to the arts.