Sir Terence Conran is New Provost
Sir Terence Conran, who has succeeded the Earl of Snowdon as Provost of the Royal College of Art, chaired his first Meeting of Court on 14th December 04.
Sir Terence Conran, whose term of appointment is three years, is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s most influential design figures. He is credited with bringing to the wider public a greater understanding and appreciation of design in everyday living. From textile design student to craftsman, industrial designer, manufacturer, retailer and founder of the Design Museum, Sir Terence Conran possesses an invaluable understanding of all aspects of art and design in educational, industrial and commercial settings.
The Provost is formally the lay head of the Court, presides over the meetings of the Court and confers degrees at Convocation.
Annual Meeting of the Court
The annual meeting of court took place at the very end of the Autumn term and just at the lead-in of the pre-Xmas period. Court meetings are a mix of seasonal get-togethers that recall, between mince pies and presentations, all that has happened around and about the College in the year since the last Court meeting. Unfortunately December's meeting of Court brought with it the disappointing news about the shelving of the Ellipse building and the impact this has on both the College and any sense of optimism. The situation which caused the College to pull out from the fight exposes yet again that familiar national disease that, on the one hand, supports brave new worlds (of Art and Design) and with the other slaps it down. Undoubtedly the narrow minded "conservationists" lobby won the day ... together with a bevy of architectural and design "experts" such as Cliff Richard (Britain's answer to "Elvis Presley") and undoubtedly other famous architectural critics. We were reminded of the intransigence over the Leibskind extension to the V&A Museum - and wonder what could the world really be...
In the midst of all this Terence Conran had a refreshing impact in chairing his first Court. Gone was the line up of the robed in gold and ermin "top tablers"- in was a thumping gavel that shook tables.
The Rector gave an upbeat report mentioning College successes, both inside and out, and new projects in the pipeline. Links with outside agencies such as the Arts & Humanities Research Council , DTI and the LDA will bring funded research opportunities and new equipment to the College. Prof Jeremy Myerson added to the rectors report by giving a visual presentation about "Innovation RCA" - a gateway to business - a £million project through HEIF. He described how the College will be converting a premises at 22 Jay Mews as a "shopwindow for innovation". A press launch is planned for 23 February followed by an "Innovation" event in June and an exhibition 27 Sept - 13 October. The Innovation project not only gives a shop window to design - it also shows the ascent of Design in the College - hopefully Fine Art will enjoy as much investment. Worryingly, the College rarely expresses the intrinsic value of Fine Art. Most College graduates from all disciplines would acknowlege this value: the designers would admit that their role is to find a solution to a problem whereas the role of the Fine artists is recognising and raising the problem. (At least the Sculpture School's Howie Street lease has now been renewed.)
With Terence Conran as provost and James Dyson, again re-appointed as a member of Council, Design continues to be in the ascent. The Rector referred to Dyson's recently broadcast "Dimbleby" Lecture in which he raised necessary criticisms against the "UK disease" that curtails innovative design and engineering. So whilst there is significance in the halting of the "Elipse" project at least the College is continuing to champion the role of Innovative Art & Design - and with its graduates well placed within both Industry and Art & Design Education throughout Britain and the World there is a real chance to find a cure.
You can read all the details in the" Rector's Review". Copies can be obtained from the College.