ABSTRACT
Central Saint Martins is one of six constituent colleges that make up the University of the Arts London, one of the largest and most comprehensive art and design higher education institutions in the UK. The College’s Museum and Study Collection comprises over 20,000 objects and 5,000 books and periodicals relating to the disciplines of art and design. It originated from a teaching collection put together by the Central School of Arts and Crafts in the late nineteenth century and has continued to grow ever since. Initially, items of general interest – such as illuminated manuscripts, rare books, film posters and textiles – were gathered together as best examples of type. In recent years, the focus of collecting has changed to reflect a more direct relationship with the College, and the Museum now principally collects work by staff, students and alumni. The formal Registration of the Museum and Study Collection in 1987 has meant that there are certain restrictions on how the collection can now be used. However, the intention remains that the collection should be used to support teaching and learning across the University and beyond.
