Royal College of Art, Battersea

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How does a former factory in Battersea become a hub of artistic energy? That’s the story of the Royal College of Art, Battersea. You see, the Royal College of Art itself has a rich history, dating back to 1837. It started as the Government School of Design in Somerset House. Over the years, it evolved, changed locations, and finally earned the name ‘Royal College of Art’ in 1896. By the late 20th century, the RCA was bursting at the seams. It needed space to grow, to accommodate its expanding vision. That’s when they set their sights on a rather unusual spot – a former factory in Battersea. In 1991, the sculpture department took a leap of faith, moving into this industrial space. It was just the beginning. The Royal College of Art, Battersea, truly came alive in the 2000s. They saw the potential of this former industrial site and embarked on an ambitious expansion project. This expansion wasn’t just about bricks and mortar. It was about creating a new kind of campus, one that embraced the site’s industrial past while forging a future of artistic innovation.

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