The Central School of Art and Design, referred to as the Central London School of Art, was established by London County Council. It is where Mary travels to when she decides to try to make it in the world on her own. Unfortunately, her dream of being an artist failed. Dixon writes, "About this time, when she began to work at the Central London School of Art, father and daughter became great friends. On the days when he went to lecture at the London University, she would either walk with him, or go to fetch him on those afternoons when he was coming straight home to tea instead of making his way to the Athenaeum Club" (Chapter 4). Dixon writes this after writing about how Mary realizes her role in society and the gender norms that are forced upon her.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_School_of_Art_and_Design
https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095558717