Many of the donors names and the special quotations they chose, are displayed on the 'A&D' sign. Watch the timelapse of the project and view the initial computer generated imagery here.

Image
A&D Sign

Timeline

2012

Review completed of all buildings on the estate, with Art and Design identified as the most in need of investment.

Student Design Committee established.

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios are chosen as the architects to create the new creative hub of Bedales.  They had previously designed the Olivier Theatre in 1996.

November 2012

Consultation Starts with the Bedalian community

The school was grateful for feedback on the Art & Design Centre plans from parents, students and Old Bedalians; and as a result many aspects of the original design were changed. The new building was to be more compact, to maximise teaching space, have lighter cladding and be set further from Steephurst.

The Facilities Yard, which originally was going to remain in part adjacent to the new Art & Design Building, was moved in its entirety to a new location behind Steephurst.

Image
Art & Design Building

September 2013

Fundraising campaign launched

Events included:

  • Launch Dinner hosted by David Linley
  • ‘Talking Design’ with Sir Terence Conran
  • Cocktail Party at Wellington Arch
  • Bedales Parents’ Association Summer Party 2014 
  • Drinks Party at The Goring
  • Auction Preview Show
  • Online Auction with Paddle8
  • Rock Show Fundraising Night
  • John Barker’s Song Recital
  • Ladies Lunch with Emma Bridgewater and Sophie Conran
  • Bedales Parents’ Association Quiz Night
  • Party at Annabel’s in Mayfair

March 2014

Planning permission granted

A celebratory event was held in the Olivier Theatre and the new student video about the project was launched.

February 2015

Turf cutting ceremony

The first turf for the new Art & Design building was cut. Students from the Senior School joined those from Bedales Prep, Dunhurst and Pre-prep, Dunannie to help cut the first turf in a ceremony on Monday 23 February. 

Students also celebrated Bedales founder, John Badley’s 150th birthday by raising funds for the new building through a cake sale and raffle.

25 June, 2016: Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony on Parents’ Day, Saturday 25 June 2016

The opening of the new Art & Design building signalled the start of Parents’ Day 2016, with speeches from Matthew Rice, Chairman of Governors, and Headmaster Keith Budge. Bedales musicians performed a piece of music composed especially for the occasion by Director of Music Nick Gleed, using the words of the poem Expectans Expectavi by Charles Hamilton Sorley.  Watch the opening ceremony below.

View images of the opening ceremony.

A huge Bedalian thank you to everyone who supported the fundraising efforts.