Inspiring creativity
in the community.

Welcome to Putney School of Art & Design

Originally founded in 1883, Putney School of Art and Design has been inspiring creativity in the community from our existing home on Oxford Road since 1895. We offer a wide range of art and design courses for first time students and experienced artists of all ages, including painting, drawing, pottery, photography, sculpture and printmaking as well as more specialised courses such as our Art and Design Diploma.

In September 2022, we opened the new 3D Campus at Putney School Of Art and Design, allowing us to bring the pottery facilities together on one fully accessible floor for the first time. Alongside this, it freed up space for other art and design courses in our original site.

Since 2022, we have:
– Expanded our art and design courses including printmaking, textiles, and additional drawing and painting classes
– Introduced taster sessions, sip & spin, and corporate sessions and events
– Welcomed 2,278 brand new students to the school

We are proud of the new facilities on offer, and look forward to many more years of nurturing our student’s creative talents.

Autumn Courses

Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore the world of art or a seasoned pro ready to refine your skills, our diverse range of courses for our autumn term offers something for everyone. From painting and sculpture to digital arts and mixed media, our expert tutors provide personalized guidance in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Digital Photography & Photoshop

Discover the art of digital photography and master the essentials of Photoshop in our comprehensive course, perfect for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started with your first camera or an experienced photographer wanting to refine your editing techniques, this course offers something for everyone.

Short Courses

Our evening and weekend short courses are perfect for those with busy schedules who still want to pursue their passion for art. Whether you’re interested in painting, drawing, ceramics, or digital design, these flexible courses offer expert instruction in a relaxed and friendly setting.

Meet our students

We have many students with varying experiences at the school, here is just one example of a students unique journey. One of the Putney School of Art and Design’s long-term students Michael discusses why he continues to return to the school and showcases what’s on offer.

Find our full list of courses here.

Latest News

Our 2025/2026 prospectus is now live

Putney School of Art and Design have opened their courses for the 2025/2026 school year. The school will host a variety of courses for both adults and children, no experience necessary! The courses vary from printmaking to pottery and are situated in our inspiring Victorian setting on Oxford Road, Putney or our new 3D campus just a stone’s throw away from the original site. Head to Our Courses to book now.

Read more

Our Courses

We offer a huge variety of drawing and painting courses. From introductory courses in life drawing and portraiture to more advanced areas using watercolours, gouache and oils; we explore a range of techniques and medias so there really is something for everyone.

Photography & Digital Design

Our digital tutors have years of industry experience which gives our students a unique learning experience using Adobe software including Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. Learn how to use the tools, palettes and menus in the various software programs to create original artworks.

Life Drawing

These classes are wide-ranging and suitable for all levels including those who have general drawing skills. They include working from the nude, with attention to basic anatomy, to studying the clothed figure and groups.

Watercolour, Gouache & Pastels

If you’d like to learn to use the vibrant and versatile mediums of creating with pastels and watercolours, then we have a variety of specialist courses for you to choose from.

Online Courses

Due to recent socially distancing restrictions, we are now able to offer many classes online so you can join our friendly groups from the comfort of your own home. These are constantly being updated so check back regularly for info on what’s on.

Sculpture & Ceramics

We have pottery courses as well and pay as you go classes. If you’d like to learn more about ceramics you can explore the possibilities and limitations of clay: terracotta/white/crank/mixed body.

Our Studios

A space to create

The school has a superb life drawing studio on the first floor, complete with vast north-facing windows and vaulted wooden ceiling.

The school has developed and gradually expanded since 1895, apart from a brief break during the war years. It now has six studios designed specifically for painting, printmaking, drawing, ceramics and more recently, digital design.