If you’ve ever used the small study room in the DJCAD Library called Cattrell, you might have wondered where the name came from. It looks like any other study space — six desks, a screen for presentations, and plenty of plug sockets. But the name actually has a pretty inspiring story behind it.
The room is named after Louise Cattrell, a DJCAD graduate who’s made a big name for herself in the art world. She studied Fine Art here at Dundee, finishing her Diploma and Post Diploma in 1980 before heading to the Royal College of Art in London for her Master’s degree.
From Dundee to the Art World
Louise has gone on to have an incredible career as a professional painter. Her work focuses on landscapes — not just how they look, but how we remember them and how they change over time. Her paintings have been shown in exhibitions and collections all over the UK.
Back in 1994, she also became one of the first-ever winners of what’s now known as the Jerwood Drawing Prize, one of the UK’s top awards for contemporary drawing.
Why Name a Room After Her?
The Cattrell Study Room is a way of celebrating Louise’s success and showing current students what’s possible after DJCAD. She’s one of many talented DJCAD graduates — alongside big names like Turner Prize winner Susan Philipsz and photographer Albert Watson — who’ve gone on to do amazing things after studying here.
Naming the space after her also reminds visitors and students that DJCAD produces artists who make a real impact in the creative world.
A Full-Circle Moment
One of Louise’s pieces, Anemones, is actually part of the University of Dundee’s art collection, which makes the link between her and the university even stronger.
For current students, the Cattrell Room isn’t just a quiet place to work — it’s a reminder that successful artists once sat in the same building, facing the same deadlines and creative challenges.
A Space That Inspires
So next time you’re in the Cattrell Study Room working on your portfolio or project, take a second to remember — the next big name in art might just be sitting where you are now.