Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai

The institution was established in 1850 by surgeon Alexander Hunter as a private art school.

[2] During British rule in India, the crown found that Madras had many talented and artistic minds.

At first traditional artists were employed to produce furniture, metalwork, and curios, and their work was sent to the royal palaces of the Queen.

The institute established itself as the first school of art in India, predating the University of Madras.

Later, a number of noted artists held the role of principal, including R. Krishna Rao, S. Dhanapal, K. L. Munuswamy, A. P. Santhanaraj and C. J. Anthony Doss.