Deborah Swallow Addressing Benefactors
Deborah Swallow Addressing Benefactors and Scholars, 15 March 2007

In presenting the Courtauld to those who know it less well than the readers of this newsletter, I have described it both as a fresh young institution, a mere five years old as a self-governing college of the University of London, and as a venerable 75 year old, 6 October 2007 is the 75th anniversary of the first intake of students to the Courtauld. A focus on the 75th year after our foundation in 1932 is valuable; it not only offers us an opportunity to challenge ourselves again to think about the study of art history but also provides a platform on which to raise the Institute’s profile.

We are now working to complete a number of projects by the October deadline: improving our visual identity; re-launching the website; refurbishing aspects of the Gallery’s facilities and improving physical access to it; improving support facilities adjacent to the Research Forum and Administration; refurbishing the Book Library; and working with Somerset House Trust to improve signage.The Gallery exhibition programme aims to attract a strong audience while adhering to our policy of focused scholarly exhibitions.

The academic year will open with the launch of the Courtauld Association – a new concept which will bring all current students and alumni together in one organization – and will continue with our usual rich programme of scholarly events, some of them specifically highlighting the Courtauld’s contribution to the discipline of art history and its associated professions in the past and present and for the future. The anniversary year will culminate in a weekend of celebrations from 3rd to 7th July 2008.