Dunhill has been to China a few times, usually helping to develop international partnerships with various institutions and art schools.

In many Asian art schools, he finds a real determination to hold onto traditions, such as calligraphy and Chinese painting, alongside contemporary fine art.

He often travels abroad, meeting people, talking about "what the arts school might be in a new time, how we adapt to developments".

Dunhill also tries to understand the difficulties faced by students, in terms of fees and cost of living.

"London is a very expensive city, like Beijing probably. We don't want art school to be only for rich kids."

Contact the writer at chenjie@chinadaily.com.cn