Our People

Prof Frances Corner OBE

Fellow, Honorary Fellow

Warden of Goldsmiths, University of London

DPhil (Oxon), MA (Chelsea School of Art), BA (St Martin’s, London)

Professor Frances Corner OBE is Warden of Goldsmiths, University of London, the academic and administrative leader of the university. She is the first woman to take on the role of Warden for Goldsmiths since the university was founded.

The title is unique in British universities, where the equivalent role is normally known as a Vice-Chancellor, and 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.

Frances is currently a Trustee at Centrepoint and also 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.

Her first book ‘Why Fashion Matters’ was published in 2014, and she writes widely on arts and design education.