Category: History of Art and Design

2025 in Review: Celebrating a year of ambition, breakthroughs and real-world impact

From world-leading research to community partnerships, student success and global impact, 2025 showcased the University of Brighton at its boldest and best.

Here are some of the standout moments that defined our year:

January

Continue reading “2025 in Review: Celebrating a year of ambition, breakthroughs and real-world impact” →

Kerry Burnett
KLM logo

New Brighton documentary reveals the private world of design pioneer FHK Henrion

A new short film by Brighton academics has uncovered the domestic space which shaped the life and work of one of Britain’s most influential post-war designers.

Sue and Harriet
Sue and Harriet

The film, produced by researchers at the University of Brighton Design Archives and the Centre for Design History, provides an intimate view into the life of Frederic Henri Kay Henrion, credited as one of the world’s pioneering graphic designers of the post-war era. Henrion was of Jewish heritage and fled Nazi Germany in 1933, moving first to Paris and then to London in 1936, where he worked on wartime propaganda projects for the UK Ministry of Information and the US Office of War Information. Continue reading “New Brighton documentary reveals the private world of design pioneer FHK Henrion” →

Kerry Burnett
lgbtg flags being waved in front of the pier

University of Brighton named the UK’s most LGBTQ+ friendly university

Brighton has been crowned the UK’s most LGBTQ+ friendly university in a new survey, scoring 8.7 out of 10 for inclusivity – the highest in the country.

The new findings from Erobella indicate that Brighton is a place where LGBTQ+ students feel safe, supported and celebrated, further strengthening the university’s reputation for fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. Nationally, the average university score was 6.7, and Brighton was the only institution in the country to rate above 8. Continue reading “University of Brighton named the UK’s most LGBTQ+ friendly university” →

Kerry Burnett
potential + possibility graphic

Enhancing your employability

Your time at Brighton is about more than just earning a degree – it’s about developing the skills, experiences, and connections that prepare you for a successful career

At the Brighton we know that employability is an important part of that experience.

We support you in achieving your ambitions, expanding your prospects, and building lasting connections – both during your studies and after graduation. Continue reading “Enhancing your employability” →

Kerry Burnett
Animated red ticket on a blue background, reading 'The Coast is Queer Festival'

Brighton students and staff help shape the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ literature festival

Students and staff from the University of Brighton are stepping up to help shape the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ literature festival – ensuring queer voices are amplified and safe, inclusive spaces continue to grow. 

This October, students from the School of Humanities and Social Science have been appointed as paid co-curators of the Coast is Queer festival – the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ festival (9–12 October) – taking the lead on programming two major panel events.   Continue reading “Brighton students and staff help shape the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ literature festival” →

Kerry BurnettLeave a comment
Race charter silver award logo

University of Brighton gains prestigious national award for advancing racial equity

Brighton is awarded the Race Equality Charter (REC) Silver Award by Advance HE, becoming one of only six universities in the UK to hold prestigious recognition.

The REC framework is designed to improve the representation, progression and success of Black and minority ethnic staff and students in higher education. The Silver Award acknowledges the university’s significant progress in advancing racial equity and its commitment to continuing this work. Continue reading “University of Brighton gains prestigious national award for advancing racial equity” →

Kerry BurnettLeave a comment
Trans pride parade in Brighton

University of Brighton underlines support for trans community with Brighton Trans Pride sponsorship

The university is proud to announce sponsorship of Trans Pride Brighton 2025, reaffirming its commitment to equity, support and inclusion.

Trans Pride Brighton is the largest trans-specific Pride event in Europe and takes place this year on Saturday 19 July. The university’s support for the event is a way of underscoring its dedication to equality, diversity, and the celebration of gender diversity. Continue reading “University of Brighton underlines support for trans community with Brighton Trans Pride sponsorship” →

Kerry BurnettLeave a comment
Three young teens stood on Brighton pier on a sunny day looking out to sea

University unveils extra financial support for students applying through Clearing with Brighton Summer Boost initiative

For the first time, the University of Brighton is extending its Brighton Boost financial support initiative to students applying through Clearing in 2025 – helping to remove barriers and create opportunities for those who may have thought university was beyond their reach. Continue reading “University unveils extra financial support for students applying through Clearing with Brighton Summer Boost initiative” →

Kerry BurnettLeave a comment
University of Brighton metal sign

University of Brighton ranked among top 4% of universities worldwide

The University of Brighton has earned a place among the world’s leading universities. Brighton has ranked in the top 4.3% of institutions globally, in the 2025 Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). 

This recognition highlights the university’s continued dedication to academic excellence, impactful research, and the success of its students and alumni worldwide. Continue reading “University of Brighton ranked among top 4% of universities worldwide” →

Kerry BurnettLeave a comment
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Graduates 2025: Annie Wright, Fashion and Design History

My work and Influences

Annie on a beachMy work and influences throughout my time on the course have been very varied – I have enjoyed looking at both historical and contemporary fashion.

I love periods such as the 18th century, Regency, 1920s, 1930s, 1960s, and 1970s. But my favourite is probably the 1990s, specifically designers such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano and Mugler. Continue reading “Graduates 2025: Annie Wright, Fashion and Design History” →

Kerry BurnettLeave a comment
Female cricket player playing cricket

University of Brighton to open UK’s largest indoor cricket academy

The University of Brighton has announced the UK’s largest indoor cricket academy, enabling aspiring cricketers to develop their talents while earning a degree.

Brighton Cricket Academy is a groundbreaking partnership between the University of Brighton and Square One Education Ltd which will offer top-tier professional coaching and cutting-edge facilities from September 2025. Continue reading “University of Brighton to open UK’s largest indoor cricket academy” →

Kerry BurnettLeave a comment
Grace's costume display

Graduates 2025: Grace Dowle, Fashion and Design History

“It has opened up my interests further and expanded my knowledge massively.”

My work focus

Grace DowleThroughout my time studying Fashion and Design History at Brighton, my work has varied, which I think is a testament to the course as it has allowed me to explore many topics which I may not have on my own.

I have interests predominantly in the 20th Century. From looking into subcultures such as Mods, researching Miner’s Strike (1984-85) protest wear, analysing and researching an early 1960s dress owned by a working mother who lived in Brighton, whose clothing collection is a part of the Dress History Teaching Collection, to finally my dissertation which has focused on young, working women and their relationship to the fashion brand Biba (1964-1975). Continue reading “Graduates 2025: Grace Dowle, Fashion and Design History” →

Kerry BurnettLeave a comment
Sustainable campus in Falmer

Brighton jumps into top 30 in new university sustainability league table

The University of Brighton has climbed an impressive 16 places to secure a spot in the top 30 of the latest People & Planet University League, a prestigious ranking of 165 UK universities based on their environmental and ethical performance.

Brighton’s achievement also places it as the fourth most sustainable university in the South East, showcasing its leadership in sustainability within the region.

Continue reading “Brighton jumps into top 30 in new university sustainability league table” →

Christina CammLeave a comment

Pioneering digital experience opens a window into the home and history of Shakespeare’s eldest daughter

A ground-breaking new online archive created by University of Brighton’s Dr Ailsa Grant Ferguson in collaboration with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust offers a unique, immersive way to explore Hall’s Croft, the home of Susanna, eldest daughter of Anne and William Shakespeare. Continue reading “Pioneering digital experience opens a window into the home and history of Shakespeare’s eldest daughter” →

Neysan JonesLeave a comment
Claire Wintle, Karina Rodriguez Echavarria, Mr. Purnmal Ji (left to right) in Jawaja, 2024 © Tim Weyrich, CC BY

University of Brighton champions UK-India collaboration to tackle environmental, economic, and social challenges

The University of Brighton is at the forefront of two groundbreaking research initiatives that unite the UK and India to address some of the world’s most pressing issues.

From rethinking housing design by learning from grassroots builders to empowering traditional artisans with contemporary tools, the two major research projects led by the University of Brighton highlight how creative innovation, sustainability and heritage can work hand-in-hand to build a better future and address urgent global challenges. Continue reading “University of Brighton champions UK-India collaboration to tackle environmental, economic, and social challenges” →

Joanna TurnerLeave a comment

Check if you’re eligible for £1,250 and a lower grade offer

At the University of Brighton, we’re here to support you in making the best start to your university journey. With our new postcode checker, you can quickly see if you’re eligible for our Brighton Boost financial support package, designed to help you with the cost of living and make everyday things just that little bit easier.   Continue reading “Check if you’re eligible for £1,250 and a lower grade offer” →

Joanna TurnerLeave a comment

Looking back on our 2024: A year of innovation, creativity and impact

As we wrap up 2024, we want to take a moment to reflect on the past year’s achievements, milestones and stories that have shaped the year here at the University of Brighton.  

There’s so much to celebrate – we’ve seen groundbreaking research, community impact and inspiring student success across every area of the university.   Continue reading “Looking back on our 2024: A year of innovation, creativity and impact” →

Joanna TurnerLeave a comment
girl with painting

FAQs to help you decide the right history of art and design course for you

At Brighton we offer two degrees in this programme area: a Fashion and Design History course and an Art History and Visual Culture course – lecturer Veronica Issac, who has a background in the museum sector and worked for the Department of Theatre and Performance at the V&A Museum, answers key questions on what you can expect at the University of Brighton.

Continue reading “FAQs to help you decide the right history of art and design course for you” →

LizzieLeave a comment