The Courtauld Institute of Art has announced ambitious plans for an £82 million redevelopment of its campus at Somerset House in London, describing the project as a 'once-in-a-generation transformation' of the historic Grade I-listed building.
A Unified Vision for Art History
Leading the architectural design is the Stirling Prize-winning practice Witherford Watson Mann, which previously masterminded the acclaimed £57m renovation of The Courtauld Gallery in 2021. This new four-year project will focus on the institution's east wing, creating a cohesive, state-of-the-art campus that finally brings its academic teaching spaces, currently located in King's Cross, back under the same roof as its world-renowned gallery.
Professor Mark Hallett, the Märit Rausing Director of The Courtauld, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating it will create 'an amazing new campus for the academic institute' and ensure the institution is 'really fit for the students of today.' He emphasised that this development secures The Courtauld's legacy for the next century.
Addressing a National Challenge in Arts Education
The announcement comes at a critical time for art history education in the UK. Research commissioned by The Courtauld reveals a stark 37% decline in the number of UK schools offering A-level art history over the past decade, falling from 122 in 2016 to just 77 today. Furthermore, the research highlights a significant access issue, with only 19 of these 77 schools being state institutions, and the majority concentrated in London and the South East.
In response to this concerning trend, Professor Hallett confirmed that The Courtauld plans to develop initiatives to support schools wishing to teach art history, with these projects currently in their early planning stages.
Completing a Historic Vision
This ambitious redevelopment is seen as the fulfilment of a vision first set in motion by the late art historian and former Courtauld director, Michael Kauffmann. In the late 1980s, Kauffmann orchestrated the institute's move from its former home in Portman Square to Somerset House, a relocation that proved immensely successful, with student numbers nearly doubling during his six-year tenure.
Professor Hallett framed the new project as 'revisiting what Michael wanted to see happening' and ensuring the institution operates at 'a really high level in terms of the environment we provide.' The redevelopment will also newly connect the institute to several townhouses on the Strand, further expanding its footprint.
The project is being funded through philanthropic donations, including a record £30 million from the Reuben Foundation and a £10 million donation from the Blavatnik Family Foundation made in 2020. This significant investment promises to reshape one of London's most important cultural and educational landmarks for generations to come.
