The Goldsmiths' Company's Technical and Recreative Institute opened in 1891. They moved into buildings built in 1844 to house the Royal Naval School - a school for the children of less well-off naval officers.

This school had been established in Camberwell and moved to Mottingham after its spell at New Cross.

Goldsmiths' College became part of London University in 1905.

The college's particular strengths are education, the fine arts and music. It also runs a vigorous adult education programme.