[2] It was headed by Alexander Macdonald and housed in the University Galleries (subsequently the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology).

[3][4][5] The Slade School of Fine Art relocated to the Ruskin for the duration of the Second World War.

[citation needed] Ruskin School of Art remained at the Ashmolean until 1975 when it moved to 74 High Street.

In October 2015, the Ruskin opened a second Fine Art building in East Oxford, at 128 Bullingdon Road, on the site of a former warehouse and annexe.

The subject is taught as a living element of contemporary culture with a broad range of historical and theoretical references.