60 years of Sussex

Beginning in August 2021, we celebrated 60 years of Sussex. Explore how we marked six decades of groundbreaking research, providing our students with an exceptional education and how 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 reflected 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.

Let's stay in touch

Have a great story about your time at Sussex? We want to hear from you – and we also love hearing what our alumni have gone on to do after leaving university.

Share your story with us.

Contact

Development and Alumni Relations enquiries:

+44 (0)1273 678258
alumni@sussex.ac.uk

Development and Alumni Relations
University of Sussex
Falmer
Brighton
United Kingdom
BN1 9RH