NEWS RELEASE: Professor Stephen Bottomley appointed Head of Design at The Glasgow School of Art

Professor Stephen Bottomley who, it has been announced, will take up the post as Head of the School of Design at the GSA in January 2022

 

The academic and maker Stephen Bottomley has been appointed Head of the School of Design at The Glasgow School of Art it was announced today, Monday 11 October 2021. Professor Bottomley is currently Head of the Birmingham Institute of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles, Birmingham City University. He will join the GSA in January 2022.

 

Trained at the Royal College of Art (2001 MPhil), the University of Brighton, with an exchange to Rhode Island School of Design (1998 MA) and West Surrey College of Art and Design (1986-89 BA Hons), Professor Bottomley was previously Head of Department of Jewellery & Silversmithing at University of Edinburgh/Edinburgh College of Art, (2008-17) and Senior lecturer and course leader of Jewellery and Metalwork at Sheffield Hallam University (2004-08). In 2019 he led a successful Queen’s Anniversary Award Higher Education application based on the most recent teaching and research achievements at Birmingham Institute of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles.

 

Professor Bottomley is currently co-chair of the ‘Craft Cultures’ research cluster and was Chair of the UK Association for Contemporary Jewellery from 2005-07. 

 

Throughout his academic career Professor Bottomley has continued his practice as a maker. A Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, his jewellery is in collections at the British Museum, National Museums Scotland, South East Arts Collection and Royal College of Art, and his work is exhibited internationally. He has published papers, including for the Journal for Jewellery Research and

has also co-curated several international touring exhibitions.

Announcing the appointment, Professor Penny Macbeth, the GSA’s Director said:  “We are delighted to welcome Stephen Bottomley as our new Head of the School of Design.

“Professor Bottomley’s appointment reflects the reputation of the GSA as a leader in creative education. His extensive academic and research experience will be invaluable as we develop innovative approaches to future learning and teaching.”

“As an acclaimed maker who curates and shows work internationally Stephen Bottomley also has an insight and expertise into creative practice that will be inspirational to our students as they develop their own work.”

“Small Specialist institutions are very special,” says Professor Bottomley. “Having the opportunity to come to The Glasgow School of Art to help ensure it continues to succeed globally as an independent school is hugely exciting.”

 

“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues to harness the potential of new and exciting developments in creative education both for students and the wider community and of returning to work in Scotland.”

 

Ends

 

For further information contact:

Lesley Booth, 

0779941 4474 

press@gsa.ac.uk

@GSofAMedia