Ruth Prowse School of Art

With the death of Ruth Prowse in 1967, her Mansion Property “the Retreat” located on  Birkdale Avenue, 5 Elson Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, was bequeathed as an Arts and Culture Centre. Prowse was a respected Artist and advocated for the preservation of Historical Buildings. She was also the Curator of the Michaelis Collection, in Cape Town.

Erik Laubscher, the first Principal, opened the only Non-Discriminatory Art Centre in South Africa on the Estate in Woodstock in 1970. In 1980 the property was declared a National Monument. Edwine Simon became the first Woman Director in 1996.

Ruth Prowse School of Art continues to run in its original Location in Woodstock, Cape Town.