Discover Your Perfect Stay

My Warning To Britain: Your Democracy Is Under Attack From Putin's KGB Infiltrators

Scotland’s last ceramics course under threat

Students, ex-staff, and artists express dismay.

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is considering scrapping its famous ceramics degree course, the last of its kind in Scotland. This proposal has sparked outrage and disbelief among students, staff, and former heads of the ceramics department. On February 7, the department was informed of the recommendation to cease recruiting full-time and part-time undergraduates to the BA Ceramic Design programs, citing declining interest as the main reason.

Concerns of Students

Students have expressed their confusion and frustration over the proposal. Ester Svensson, the student representative for the ceramics department, questioned the school's decision, as the ceramics department consists primarily of undergraduates from the ceramic design degree. She also raised concerns about the school's lack of marketing efforts for the course and failure to showcase the department during open days.

Ulterior Motives?

Former head of ceramics at GSA, Alex Leckie, speculated that the proposal may have other motives. He suggested that the valuable property occupied by the ceramics department may be a factor, as the school has plans for other developments. He believes that sacrificing the ceramics department to meet expenses elsewhere would be a great loss for the school and the craft in Scotland.

The Death Knell of Ceramics in Scotland

If the ceramics program is removed from GSA, it will be the final blow to the craft in Scotland, following previous closures in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee. Leckie emphasizes the potential consequences of losing the degree program, such as fewer exhibitions of ceramics in galleries, a lack of additions to national collections, and a decline in public interest in the craft.

A Bigger Issue

Renowned artist and former head of painting at GSA, Alexander Moffat, believes that the threat to the ceramics degree reflects a broader issue within all art schools. He argues that subjects like ceramics are often overlooked because they do not attract enough students, but this narrow viewpoint fails to consider the value and importance of these disciplines to Scotland's cultural heritage.

School's Perspective

GSA explained that competition for places in other design programs is high, while interest in ceramic design is declining. They see this as a risk to the school's academic reputation and the consistency of student attainment across the design program. The final decision will be made in March by the GSA's academic council.

The Threat to Ceramics and the Educational Landscape

This potential closure is not just about the ceramics department at GSA; it signifies a wider trend within Scottish art schools. Threats to departments like ceramics and drama raise questions about the importance of preserving Scotland's cultural heritage and providing a well-rounded education for its students.

The Role of Art Schools

Scotland needs to adopt a more holistic approach to arts, crafts, and design education, similar to the Bauhaus model. Art schools should be centers of excellence, fostering innovation and nurturing talent across various disciplines. Instead of shutting down departments, there should be a concerted effort to promote and develop vibrant creative communities.

A Call to Action

The potential closure of the ceramics degree program at GSA should not be taken lightly. Students, artists, academics, and supporters of the arts must unite and raise their voices against these decisions. It is not only the future of ceramics at stake but also the broader landscape of arts education in Scotland.

If this trend continues, Scotland risks losing its vibrant creative community and becoming a cultural wasteland. It is time for the authorities to prioritize arts education, support local talent, and invest in the future of Scottish creativity.

Scotland should not let the legacy of its renowned ceramics department fade away, but rather build upon it and ensure that future generations have the opportunity to pursue their passion and contribute to the nation's cultural heritage.

London

Manchester

Oban

Keswick (Cumbria)

Paignton

Canterbury

Margate

Doncaster

Buxton (Derbyshire)

Falmouth

Chichester

Bedford

Preston (Lancashire)

Rye

Sidmouth

Salisbury

Ayr

Alnwick

Perth

Stirling

Cromer

Chelmsford

Morecambe

Conwy

Bakewell

Kendal

Maidstone

Taunton

Salcombe

Warrington

Worthing

Solihull

Betws-y-Coed

Warwick (Warwickshire)

Crawley (West Sussex)

Ilford

Bolton

Dover

Ludlow

Grange-over-Sands

Dumfries

Arundel

Grantham

Gloucester

Largs