60 years of Sussex

Join us as we celebrate 60 years of Sussex – from groundbreaking research to providing our students with an exceptional education, we've helped shape the future for thousands of people.


1961 - 2021

On 16 August 1961, the University of Sussex received its Royal Charter. This was an historic moment, not just for Sussex, but for higher education in the UK. We were the first of seven new universities established after the Second World War and we had the freedom to offer a new type of learning.

On our 60th anniversary, we reflect on this legacy, how it's shaped who we are, and how it's prepared us to look towards the future.

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Sussex in 60 Objects


            A silver key crafted especially for the Queen to officially open the Library on 13 November 1964.

            Giant wax and oil abstract mural by Ivon Hitchens hanging against the red brick of Mandela Hall in Falmer House.

            Black and white photo of a bronze sculpture of a torso by Henry Moore, taken by Robert Cahn.

From architectural gems to outrageous art, from ceremonial silverware to ‘I love Sussex’ mugs, there are so many objects that help to tell the story of our University.

Here, in celebration of the many parts that help to make the whole, we have trawled our archives, our campus landscape, and our memories to select dozens of objects that we feel reflect what’s special and unique about Sussex.

Explore Sussex in 60 Objects and read some of the stories behind our campus art, nature, architecture, artefacts, and education and research.

But we haven’t yet got to 60. We are looking for the final objects to come from our community of students, staff and alumni. Help us complete Sussex in 60 Objects by sending in your nominations for our final theme – Life at Sussex. What would you like to add to our box of treasures?

Take part in Sussex in 60 Objects.

 

Help us give every student the best experience of Sussex

There are lots of ways you can support current and future students at Sussex, through donations, volunteering or mentoring. Support our 60th Anniversary campaign today and we’ll match your gift.