Our History
We’ve been leading the way since 1856
Somerset College started life as the School of Art and Science in 1856, and moved to Corporation Street Taunton, as the School of Art at the turn of the century. Somerset College of Arts and Technology was born on the Wellington Road in the early 1970s when the School of Art merged with the Technology School.
The buildings and facilities you see today are the result of a multi-million pound investment that has enabled Somerset College to stay at the forefront of further and higher education in the county.
We are still investing in our facilities to ensure we offer state-of-the-art resources to all our students and provide a place of learning that inspires all who study, work and visit us.
Today we are a thriving community with a reputation for excellence.
Celebrating 150 years of Arts & Design
Since the School of Art begin in 1856, Taunton has enjoyed a rich history of arts education and training in all areas of art, design and media.
In 2007 we celebrated our role in arts and design education in Somerset over the past 150 years. The highlight of the celebrations was a Gala Fashion Show held in a marquee in the College grounds. The show featured professional models wearing the final year collections of our fashion and textile degree students plus a selection of work by younger designers training at the college. It was accompanied by an archive exhibition.
Other events to take place included free arts days, an arts extravaganza, festivals and exhibitions and featured former staff and students.
We were also able to celebrate the success of two of our graduating students.
- Clothes Show Live Young Designer of the Year 2006/7 was won by Tom Stevens, BA (Hons) Fashion & Textiles.
- London Graduate Fashion Week - Visionary Knitwear Award was won by Lilli Rose Wicks, BA (Hons) Fashion & Textiles.
Famous alumni that have graced the Arts and Design Division at Somerset College include Per Una, Abercrombie and Fitch, and Fat Face designers Jessica Malins, Laura Beaumont plus sculptor Andre Wallace, actors Josephine Yeboah and James Rochfort and lighting designer James Larcombe.
What our graduates say:
‘The ratio of pupils to students is low compared to many other colleges which means you can get the support you need, when you need it.’
Dave Mitchell, graduated BA (Hons) Interior Textiles and Surface Design 2006
‘One of the most exciting things about this course is the opportunity to enter fashion and textile design competitions. I was selected as a finalist twice which meant my garments had already been seen on the catwalk and judged by key figures in the fashion industry before I graduated.’
Suzanne Colley graduated BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles Design 2006 (1st class honours)
‘We saw our work progress from pure concept to initial illustrations and then to finished garments. The sense of achievement and satisfaction you get from working through this process is fantastic.’
Miranda Gough, graduated BA (Hons) Fashion Design 2006
