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RepositoryUniversity Archives and Special Collections Centre
Reference NumberUAL/OH/1/9
TitleWill Bridge
DescriptionInterview with Dr. Will Bridge, Head of College at the London College of Printing/ London College of Communication from 1995 to 2007.

The interview can be accessed in QuickTime Movie and Waveform Audio formats, and a transcript is also available.

Interview description:

Video 1 [00:00] William Arthur Bridge; Head of London College of Printing. [0:40] Previously worked in Further Education; LCP had high FE numbers; PhD; work in media with Xerox and NHS; junior management at Brighton Polytechnic; Principal of South Thames College; moving towards a Higher Education portfolio. [03:03] Discusses interest in research; PhD in educational technology; passion for modernising education; training Xerox engineers. [05:01] Discusses work as Head of London College of Printing; administration; finance; HR; revolution in field of printing; electronic communication; new world of print. [06:24] Discusses changes in printing industry; facets of changes; implications for work placements and technical professions. [07:42] Course offering at LCP; vocational emphasis; rise of media communications; loss of flagship printing technology course; printing management. [10:10] Discusses changes to Graphic Design; growing profession. [11:24] Discusses influence on LCP achieving postgraduate degree awarding powers; progression from FE to research. [12:19] Requirements for awarding post graduate research degrees; student numbers; staff support; developing research track records; polytechnics gaining university status; culture shift in institution. [15:09]

Video 2 [00:00] Achieving Investors in People status in 2002; raising profile of HR; modernise staff base; skill update; importance of being humane and sensitive. [2:42] LCP awarded Sunday Times Higher Education Institute of the Year; novel situation with cooperation of art colleges; standard university branding model. [04:42] LCP as fastest growing research centre in UK HE; small beginnings; research in new areas of media; industry support. [05:59] Discusses new areas of research; printing management; colour science; acquiring merchandising area; early disciplinary research in retailing and graphics. [07:43] Discusses difficulties of HE adapting to new world; student feedback; American influence on feedback; feedback loop. [10:27] Role of Deans; expertise in subject areas; modernising staff base. [11:50] Discusses fast pace of change; closure of Fleet Street. [12:41] Building LCP at Elephant and Castle; rapid growth; mergers; encouraging investment in area; improvements to building. [14:33] Describes features of new building; new block; designing space for different disciplines to meet. [16:34] Discusses design of building; central atrium; meeting place; successful; exhibition spaces. [18:29]

Video 3 [00:00] Discusses award of university status; impact on student aspirations; movement across colleges; Student's Union. [02:18] Impact on staff; experience and credentials; identity of university. [03:42] Changes as a result of university status; research growth; student numbers increase; collaboration with other institutions. [05:08] Discusses collaborations; London Business School; MBA programme; need for arts and digital knowledge; small distances. [07:26] Gains from collaboration; research and analysis; political knowledge; BBC recruitment. [08:44] Inter-college collaboration; graphic design; Camberwell College; different approaches to courses. [10:58] Discusses move to Rectorate; importance of cross-college research. [11:59] Discusses role in rebranding of LCP to London College of Communication; need for rebranding; communication revolution. [13:37]

Video 4 [00:00] Appointment to Deputy Rector in 2007; involvement in modernisation processes; mentality shift; proud of institution. [02:02] Key changes at LCP/LCC; reflecting outside world; FE to PhD; vocationalism. [03:39] Role as Deputy Rector; challenges of estate portfolio; CSM relocation decision; facilities for research. [05:23] Rewards of role; preserving unique nature of institution; competition; strategy for accommodation; challenges of HR. [07:32] Promotion of university; creating good staff environment; benefits of creative city; value for staff. [08:45] Discusses working with John McKenzie; task of modernising institution; role in Senior Management Team; formation of Team. [11:15] Discusses working with William Stubbs; administrative background; good working relationship; new University revolution; lobbying Department of Education. [13:09] Discusses working with Michael Bichard; supported bid for university status; LCC modernisation. [14:46] Style of Rectorate; estate as a recent priority. [15:47] Role of Court of Governors; selection of Rector; responsibility for strategy; consideration of identity of university. [17:32] Identities of colleges; decision concerning Chelsea, Wimbledon, Camberwell; competing identities as a strength. [19:16] Discusses different colleges offering Fashion Design; art form at CSM; practical industry focus at LCF; strength for institution. [21:05] Overlap in retail for LCC and LCF; differences of focus; high street fashion; industry-wide focus. [22:38]

Video 5 [00:00] Discusses thoughts for history of institution; initially an experiment; collaboration and success; students' values. [01:30] Decision to retire; thriving on change; new persona; support from Rector; little contact with institution. [03:25] Discusses new role; desire to live by the sea; passion for sailing; Board of Sail for Cancer; benefits of a communications background; developing apps and mobility assistance; outdoor pursuits. [05:54] Discusses app functions; sailing for visually impaired people; navigation technologies; independence for people with disabilities. [08:14] Discusses enjoyment of time at London Institute and UAL; distinct identity of institution. [09:00]
Date17 Mar 2017
CreatorDvora Liberman
Extent1 audiovisual recording
LevelFile
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