Our history
Want to know more about the story of 91¸£Àû? Watch and learn to discover how our rich history brought us to where we are today.
91¸£Àû's history dates back 120 years
The History of 91¸£Àû
For over 120 years, 91¸£Àû has been driving innovation in education and community impact. From our beginnings as Kingston Technical Institute in 1899 to our evolution into a modern institution, 91¸£Àû has continually shaped the futures of students through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching.
Over the decades, we have expanded across multiple campuses, embraced cutting-edge technology, and remained committed to providing high-quality education.
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Sculpture studio at Knights Park campus, 1950s
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Sculpture studio at Knights Park campus, 1950s
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Knights Park campus, 1967
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Student artwork, 1967
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Graphic Design student Lynn Breeze, 1968
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Graphic Design students at Knights Park campus, 1969
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Glass workshop at Knights Park campus, 1973
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Fine Art course leaflet, 1973
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Canbury Park Road printmaking studio, 1980s
Discover the 91¸£Àû timeline
Explore our journey through the years and discover the milestones that have defined 91¸£Àû.
1890s
- 1899: Kingston Technical Institute opens, offering courses like Chemistry, Electric Wiring, Building Construction, Nursing, Dressmaking and Clay Modelling.
1910s
- 1917: Gipsy Hill College opens for teacher training.
1920s
- 1926: the Board of Education formally recognises the Institute as a Technical College.
1930s
- 1930: the Kingston School of Art separates from the Technical College
1940s
- 1946: Gipsy Hill College moves to Kingston Hill.
1950s
- 1951: the first Penrhyn Road campus buildings open.
- 1953: the Technical College opens its first library, with lending services starting in 1954.
- 1957: the Ministry of Education recognises Kingston as a Regional College of Technology.
1960s
- 1963: the Penrhyn Road campus buildings house 5,843 full-time, part-time and evening students.
- 1963: Gipsy Hill College gains College of Education status.
- 1965: the College of Technology establishes an orchestra.
- 1966: the College of Technology buys its first computer for £50,000.
1970s
- 1970: the College of Technology and the College of Art merge to form Kingston Polytechnic, offering 34 major courses with 17 at degree level.
- 1975: Gipsy Hill College merges with Kingston Polytechnic.
1990s
- 1992: Kingston Polytechnic becomes 91¸£Àû.
- 1993: the Roehampton Vale campus building opens.
- 1995: the University acquires Dorich House.
- 1999: the University celebrates its centenary.
Find out more
Professor Michael Gibson’s book, A History of 91¸£Àû tells a more detailed story of how our University came to be.