The definition of Art History as a ‘soft subject’ and the demise of its existence as anÌý A LevelÌý seriously misunderstands a subject which Ìýis enormously important to the economy,Ìý culture and well-being of this country.Ìý History of Art is a rigorous interdisciplinary subject which gives its students the criticalÌý skills to deal with a world that is increasingly saturated with images. It brings together visual analysis with history, languages, literature, chemistry, and art and design to name but a few inter-related areas of study andÌý research.ÌýThose studying it at university level have a significant impact across the cultural sector, especially in public museums and galleries.ÌýArt History as a subject needs to be much better known and not denigrated. Â鶹ÊÓƵ, the oldest higher education institution in this country dedicated to its study,Ìý is deeply committed to increasing understanding and enjoyment of the study of the history of art and to working with others to ensure that it is embedded across the school curriculum and is accessible to all our school students.