Frances Corner - Warden of Goldsmiths

The first woman to take on the role, Professor Corner is the academic and administrative leader of the university. 

She leads the Senior Management Team, which considers major policy issues and oversees the submission of business to Council, Academic Board and Finance and Resources Committee.

The title of Warden is unique in British universities, where the equivalent role is normally known as a Vice-Chancellor. It is a reminder of the founding of the College by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, one of the City of London’s ancient Livery Companies.

Professor Corner has more than 20 years’ experience in higher education leadership.

Before joining Goldsmiths, she was Head of the London College of Fashion and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Arts London.

Previously she was Head of the Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design at London Metropolitan University (2001-2005), and Associate Dean in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Gloucestershire (1998-2001).

In 2009, Professor Corner was awarded an OBE for services to fashion higher education and widening participation in arts education.

As a campaigner, she has championed the role of fashion as a force for innovation and change, particularly in the areas of sustainability, health and well-being. Her first book ‘Why Fashion Matters’ was published in 2014, and she has written widely on arts and design education.

Professor Corner sits on the British Fashion Council Industry Advisory Board. In 2018 she was named in the Business of Fashion 500, a professional index of key people shaping the global fashion industry.

She previously served as a Trustee on the board of youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, and is currently Chair of Trustees at Maudsley Charity. 

• francescorner.com

---

To get in touch with Frances, please contact wardensoffice (@gold.ac.uk).

If you have a media request for the Warden please contact the press office.