Master Class

What would an RCA-themed week be without a comprehensive look at the school itself?  In Master Class, writer Nicole Swengley investigates the unmatched success of the RCA's design program.

Swengley writes, "As an incubator of creative talent, London’s Royal College of Art is a powerhouse like no other. . . One course alone—Design Products—has produced contemporary design luminaries Thomas Heatherwick, Paul Cocksedge, Tomoko Azumi, Peter Marigold, Max Lamb, Shay Alkalay, and Yael Mer (of Raw Edges). The RCA’s success seems almost unparalleled; so what is its secret alchemy?"

Click here to read the rest of the story. . . and check out some great "then and now" images from our feature below!

RCA Students, 1905, © RCA Archive RCA Students, 1905, © RCA Archive

David Steiner, 2013 graduate © Sussie Ahlburg for L'AB David Steiner, recent graduate
© Sussie Ahlburg for L'AB/Pamono

In House Collection © David Steiner In House Collection
© David Steiner

Textile Studio, 1930s, © RCA Archive Textile Studio, 1930s, © RCA Archive

Mauricio Affonso, 2013 graduate © Sussie Ahlburg for L'AB Mauricio Affonso, recent graduate
© Sussie Ahlburg for L'AB/Pamono

© Mauricio Affonso © Mauricio Affonso

Graduation, 1958 © RCA Archive Graduation, 1958
© RCA Archive

Anina Gaehwiler, 2013 graduate © Sussie Ahlburg for L'AB Anina Gaehwiler, recent graduate
© Sussie Ahlburg for L'AB/Pamono

Nuts on circles series by Anina Gaehwiler © Anina Gaehwiler Nuts on circles series by Anina Gaehwiler
© Anina Gaehwiler

Happy #TBT!