The Courtauld Institute of Art

The Courtauld Institute of Art

The Courtauld Institute of Art was founded in 1932 by Samuel Courtauld, Lord Lee of Fareham and Sir Robert Witt. It functions as a specialist college within the University of London focused on art history and conservation training. The institute holds real estate assets including the North Wing of Somerset House and the Vernon Square campus. Its endowment supports the Courtauld Gallery, which contains works such as A Bar at the Folies-Bergère and Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. Donations from the Reuben Foundation and the Blavatnik Family Foundation have funded campus redevelopment and gallery renovations. The geographic footprint centers on London with academic partnerships extending to other University of London institutions. Lord Browne of Madingley serves as chairman of the governing board. Professor Mark Hallett holds the Märit Rausing Director position. Hugues Lepic chairs the investments committee. The institute maintains affiliated vehicles including the Samuel Courtauld Trust and the American Foundation for the Courtauld Institute of Art. The Courtauld operates under a hybrid structure as both an academic institution and an endowed gallery owner. Its investment committee oversees endowment assets while governance remains tied to its founding trusts and University of London affiliation.