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.
Since then, our students have been involved in a wide range of high-profile activities to demonstrate their exceptional talents:
- 'Free Range Fashion Week' in Brick Lane, London
- 'New Designers Show' at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London
- Art Installation Competition for the new Flybe Training Academy, Exeter Airport
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 students say:
'We have plenty of opportunities for work placements and the tutors' industry contacts are a huge benefit. We’ve had live briefs and talks with companies that come in. It gives you lots of insight into the industry and is really helpful.'
Simon Kellock 3rd Year BA Graphic Design (Hons)
'The tutors are always very supportive and understanding. The College is local for me; it's friendly, the facilities are very good - it really suits me. I recently won an award at Musgrove Park Hospital and feel very privileged to have five of my pieces showing there.'
Denise Clarke, BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design
'This course is very different to A levels, there's a lot of freedom and you’re in your own studio space with room to spread out and have your work around you. It’s really good to be able to focus on Art full-time.'
Elizabeth Barnes, Foundation Arts & Design
