The Royal Drawing School – located in London’s Shoreditch area and co-founded by Prince Charles in 2002, as the Prince’s Drawing School – will be the sixth arts educations institution to bear the title, “royal.” It has been nearly 60 years since an institution has been given the royal name, reports the Independent.
During a visit to the main campus of the school, the prince said drawing was “one of the most direct ways of engaging with the world and, like music and dance, needs to be taught and practiced throughout an artist’s life.” He adds, ” I am determined that the Royal Drawing School will continue to grow as an educational resource open to all, regardless of background or circumstance.”
The first education center to be anointed was the Royal Academy in 1768, followed by the Royal College of Music in 1882; the Royal College of Art 14 years later; the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1920; and the Royal Ballet more than three decades later.
The drawing school was founded with support from artists, including current Royal Academy president Christopher Le Brun. Catherine Goodman, who founded the school with Prince Charles, remarked, “All artists have drawn and will draw. In the nineties it was almost as if it was discouraged at some art schools.”
Permission to use the royal title is granted by the Queen. William Feaver, who sits on the school’s board, said: “The name change gives the school the seal of approval, not just royal but also national. We are pleased, touched and proud.”