Ipswich's Heritage Open Days - 9 September 2004

In addition to the extensive programme of Ipswich's finest buildings already open as part of the Ipswich Heritage Open Weekend the former Art School (now the hub of the Suffolk Institute of Technology), High Street, Ipswich will also be open to view:

• Saturday 11 September 2004 10.00am - 3.00pm

• Sunday 12 September 2004 10.00am - 1.00pm

• Admission is free and open to all

The original educational buildings on this site were constructed in 1890 as an addition to the museum: three studio rooms for the exploration of art and science (using the resources of the museum next door). It is planned to return these rooms to a similar use in the near future.

In the early 1930's buildings for the School of Art were constructed, with studios around an octagonal atrium, purpose designed for the teaching of fine art, with the atrium as an exhibition space for students' work. The building, opened in 1934, was approximately half of the total space planned for the site, with additional rooms for teaching of furniture, antique restoration, pottery and sculpture on land to the north and west. The Second World War put this further development on hold and the building of the Civic College in 1960 included space for these subjects, meaning the Art School in High Street was never fully completed.

The Art School has recently been restored and refurbished as the hub of the Suffolk Institute of Technology, one of 19 New Technology Institutes established to further the understanding and development of computing. The Centre will provide space for teaching and learning, innovation and the exchange of ideas, moving the knowledge base of computing forward.

Suffolk College staff will be on hand to further explain the function and purpose of the Suffolk Institute of Technology.

The building will also have a learndirect centre.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

For further information please contact:

Tracey Bailey, Promotions & Information Centre Manager

Tel: 01473 296520

Email: traceybailey@suffolk.ac.uk

John Norman, Director of Campus Planning & Community Development

Tel: 01473 296535

Email: johnnorman@suffolk.ac.uk

Issued by Promotions

9 September 2004.