New exhibition at University showcases 150 years of artistic innovation
Firm Foundations Part II: The Legacy of St Albans School of Art runs until 20 February 2026 in the Art and Design Gallery of the University’s School of Creative Arts on its College Lane campus. The free exhibition brings together an exciting selection of works spanning from the 1950s to the present day, including some by famed Turner Prize nominee (2006) Mark Titchner.
Other highlights featured in the exhibition include Richard Smith CBE, a celebrated painter and Venice Biennale representative; Domenic Lippa, an internationally recognised designer and Nicolas and Tomas Roope, acclaimed digital creatives.
Curated by UH Arts + Culture, visitors will encounter paintings, design concepts, video works, archival materials, and more - each piece telling a story of creativity and progress linked to the St Albans School of Art, which has been a cornerstone of artistic excellence since its founding in 1875.
Inna Allen, Head of UH Arts + Culture, explained: “Firm Foundations Part II is more than an exhibition - it’s a celebration of the creative vision that began in St Albans and continues to shape the future of art and design. From pioneering courses to globally recognised alumni, this legacy reminds us that innovation thrives when we embrace our roots.”
Originally based in St Albans Town Hall - now the St Albans Museum + Gallery - the St Albans School of Art shaped generations of artists, designers, and creative thinkers. Over the decades, it introduced pioneering courses, including the UK’s first accredited Art Therapy programme and flexible part-time Fine Art routes, opening doors for countless aspiring creatives.
In 1992, the School merged with Hatfield Polytechnic to become part of the University of Hertfordshire’s thriving School of Creative Arts, which today ranks as the best creative school in the UK and among the top 20 globally. This legacy continues to inspire the University’s students and staff, driving innovation across disciplines from fine art and design to digital media.
The exhibition also looks forward, featuring contributions from current Herts students. In February 2026, second-year Digital Arts and Media students will create immersive responses to the show in the Gallery’s cutting-edge Immersive Cave, offering a fresh perspective on the School’s enduring influence.
This project forms part of UH Arts + Culture’s Living Memories of St Albans School of Art initiative, which invites alumni, staff, and families to share personal stories and experiences. These contributions help us preserve the School’s rich history and celebrate its role in shaping the region’s cultural landscape.
Firm Foundations Part II: The Legacy of St Albans School of Art is a free, exhibition open to all during working hours, with no booking required. It is located in the University’s School of Creative Arts’ Art and Design Gallery on its College Lane campus, and runs until Friday, 20 February 2026. Parking is free for the first two hours (and all day on Saturdays), and café facilities are available Monday to Friday.
Families are also invited to Sat-ART-day on Saturday 13 December, 11:00–15:00 in the Art + Design Gallery a drop-in art session providing free family-friendly activities inspired by the exhibition. Members of the public are also welcome to attend closing event Finissage on Thursday 19 Feb 2026, 17:00–18:30 in the Art + Design Gallery, where they can view new work by second-year digital students.
Discover more on the UH Arts + Culture website and follow @UniHertsArts on Instagram for updates.