Freedom from within the frame

Based on the archive material of William Johnstone, principal of the Central School of Arts and Crafts between 1947 and 1960, the exhibition refers to a critical context in art education. The themes discussed in Freedom from within the frame apply to contemporary questions in art and design practice.

William Johnstone brought new perspectives to higher arts eduction by inviting fine art artists to teach design practices. The principle of Basic Design corresponds to the interconnection of art and design thinking by teaching a variety of skills which will be useful for artists and designers.

Freedom from within the frame brings together works from the Central Saint Martins (CSM) museum archive that were made by students, key staff members and William Johnstone himself at the Central School, to explore the interdisciplinary approach of the time, and the impact of Basic Design. 

Works and documents from the Museum and Study Collection (CSM Archives): printed textiles, issues of the publication Typographica, stained glass, photographs.

Public programme:

As part of the MA CCC curatorial endevour to bridge the past with the present, Head of CSM and Pro Vice-Chancellor of UAL, Jeremy Till is invited to discuss the legacy left by Principal William Johnstone (1897-1981)at the Central School (former CSM). The segment addresses with optimism the many challenges Art education is facing today in the gloomy context of Brexit, the government' cuts, and high tuition fees. Hosts: Victoire Barbin Perron & Bea Redweik, MA CCC Students Guests: Judy Willcocks, Head of the CSM Museum and Study Collection Sound producer: Alexia Charoud

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Global Art Practice