Celebrating 120 Years

120 Years Banner Video

A montage of images from throughout Falmouth University's 120 year history. All images have a blue overlay and the Falmouth University 120 logo. 

We're celebrating the 120th anniversary of Falmouth School of Art

In 1902 Falmouth School of Art opened as an evolution of The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society, which aimed to 'promote the useful and fine arts, to encourage industry and to elicit the ingenuity of a community distinguished for its mechanical skill.’ 

The school started as we mean to go on - harnessing creativity to forge the future of industry. To celebrate this anniversary, we're delving into the archives and quizzing our community to unearth the stories that have shaped us.

Our timeline: The moments that made us

Journey through our timeline to discover the moments that made us; from the inception of Falmouth School of Art in 1902 and the installation of our Chancellor Dawn French in 2015, to this year welcoming our new Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Hunt (and the triumphs and challenges faced along the way). 

Now & then: Our evolution in pictures

Your Falmouth stories

Over the coming months, we want to build a library of stories all drawn from your memories. If you'd like to see your story featured here, get in touch using the link below.

An open window reveals a large ferry
David Swarbrick

Falmouth alumni photo album

27 April 2022

Explore Falmouth life through the lens of our graduates.  Whether you're reminiscing about y...

Falmouth alumni photo album
Still from graduate's student life video showing view over Cornish cliffs to the sea.
Abii Birkett Video Main Image

A year to remember: Abii Birkett shares first-year film

27 April 2022

Watch Graphic Design graduate Abii Birkett's nostalgic first-year film.

A year to remember: Abii Birkett shares first-year film
Photo of artist and Falmouth alumni David Manley
David Manley

"It was a rather idyllic set-up" – David Manley remembers Falmouth in 1973

19 April 2022

Artist, curator and educationalist David Manley received a Diploma in Art & Design from Falmouth...

"It was a rather idyllic set-up" – David Manley remembers Falmouth in 1973
Black and white photo of band 'Five Minute Fashion' playing at Victor Dragos in Falmouth in 1990.
'Five Minute Fashion' at Victor Dragos_Katie Murphy

Why Falmouth Campus rocked in the 80s

19 April 2022

Lead photo credit: Katie Murphy Fancy dress nights and ‘Neighbours’ on TV in the common room ...

Why Falmouth Campus rocked in the 80s
Di Downs working with two students in the costume stores at Falmouth University
Di Downs Costume Collection

“It felt like I had come to work somewhere really special…”

19 April 2022

Di Downs, who currently looks after Falmouth’s Textiles and Dress Collection, recalls the opening ...

“It felt like I had come to work somewhere really special…”
Falmouth student
Falmouth Then 7

Now & then: Our evolution in pictures

08 April 2022

A lot has changed. There's new equipment, new buildings and new students. But, as these photos illus...

Now & then: Our evolution in pictures
Gee Farewell Falmouth 2
Gee Farewell Falmouth 2

2021 Graduate Gee looks back on her Falmouth experience

20 July 2021

And in a blink of an eye, it’s all over. My time as a Falmouth University student...

2021 Graduate Gee looks back on her Falmouth experience
A flock of birds fly past a castle situated on a tidal island - St Michael's Mount
Katie Waddington

Falmouth alumni photo album


Explore Falmouth life through the lens of our graduates. 

Whether you're reminiscing about your own university days or just curious about student life in Falmouth through the ages, take a look at these photos and stories from our graduates.

See photos

Want to see your story here?

Whether you've been a student, member of staff or engaged with Falmouth School of Art or the University in another way, we'd love to hear your stories. Click below to share your experiences, memories and photos with us.

Tell us your story

Join our alumni community

We love to keep in touch with our alumni. Head to our Alumni page to share your news with us, join our Falmouth Connect LinkedIn group and subscribe to our newsletter, which is packed full of stories, opportunities and useful information. 

Stay connected
Falmouth student singing into microphone and playing keyboard.