It has been called "one of the key historic art schools" in the country.

Now the Croydon School of Art will have an exhibition put on to prove just why that is the case.

Celebrating the school's 150th anniversary, Croydon Council has put on a free exhibition at the Museum of Croydon Exhibition Gallery that will celebrate the school's artists, just as much as the borough itself.

"It’s great to be celebrating Croydon School of Art in this way," Councillor Timothy Godfrey said.

"It is one of the key historic art schools that have played such an important role in shaping the cultural landscape.

"An exciting exhibition."

Two pieces of work by local artist Norman Partridge, who studied at the school from the age of 16 and is best known for his portrayals of Croydon’s past theatres, have been specially purchased for this exhibition and will be displayed alongside archival and local history material related to the history of the school.

Artwork will also include Victorian watercolours and oils depicting Croydon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and graphic prints and abstract paintings from artists such as Richard Allen, John Hoyland and Bridget Riley.

The exhibition will run at the gallery until April 14.