The Conservatoire

The Conservatoire of Music was founded by a local group led by William Webster (son of wealthy building contractor William Webster) in 1881,[2] and operated out of temporary premises on nearby Bennett Park until the completion of its building in 1896.

The School of Art was taken over by the Army during World War II, and remained in government hands as office accommodation.

[citation needed] The combined organisation expanded beyond music and art to include drama and cultural courses.

It also expanded beyond the site to engage in partnerships with other bodies,[clarification needed] such as the University of Greenwich, Christ the King Sixth Form College and Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust.

It is believed to be the oldest purpose built multi-arts building in London and one of the few to have a fully operational Victorian life drawing studio.