George
Birkbeck (1776-1841) trained as a doctor - completing his studies in 1799.
He became Professor of Natural Philsophy at Andersons Institute in Glasgow. As a
result of a number of mechanics asked questions about some of the equipment
being built for him he decided to put on an open, free, course of lectures on
the ‘mechanical arts’. It had not been done before. Much to his surprise by the
fourth lecture 500 people crowded in to listen. Mechanics classes became a
regular annual occurrence. In 1821 the first mechanics institute with the
characteristic mix of classes, library, and apparatus for experiments (Edinburgh
School of Arts).
In London, J. C. Robertson and T. Hodgskin proposed a similar Mechanics Institution - although they also had an additional interest such institutions being vehicles for economic , social and political emancipation. Birkbeck who by this time worked in London as a physician, offered his help and, with the assistance of Francis Place they set about raising money and interest. After repeated arguments the emancipatory element was effectively toned down. The London Mechanics Institute was eventually formed at a public meeting held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern on the Strand attended by some 2000 people on November 11, 1823 (see Kelly 1957). It developed quickly, and there was also an amazing spread of Institutes across the country (100 by 1826 and 300 by 1841).
'The birthplace of
the mechanic's institutes'
Birkbeck in the tinman's shop in Glasgow (Kelly 1957)
George Birkbeck looked to the Institutes as means of liberating the mind, for others the key slogan was self improvement - which often was just another way of describing the gaining of particular skills for work. Yet others, like Lovett and Hetherington still hoped the Institutes could become one means of working for a changed society.
The London Mechanics Institute had several homes: Monkwell Street EC2 (now covered by Monkwell Square - 1824), Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane WC2 (1825-1885), and then Bream Buildings, Fetter Lane EC1). At Southampton Row the first organized social activities began - an aspect of working class education that the founders of mechanic’s institutes never considered - but was to be of tremendous importance (Kelly 1957: 126). The demand for a common room or ‘Conversation Room’ was frequently brought forward - and one was eventually provided in 1832. Female relations and friends of members began to be admitted to lectures and to the circulating library on the same terms as sons and apprentices in 1830. The participation of women in mechanics institutes has tended to be overlooked - but they formed a substantial part of the membership.
In 1866 following a major reorganisation, the Institute changed its name to the Birkbeck Literary and Scientific Institution, and to Birkbeck College in 1907. In 1920 it became a school of the University of London, having been involved in the London external degree system since the 1860s. The College moved to its present buildings (Malet Street WC1)(designed by Charles Holden) in 1951. If you look in the entrance hall you can see the foundation stone that Birkbeck laid for the lecture theatre of the Mechanics Institute in 1825 - and the memorial tablet which used to be over the platform from which he lectured.
Kelly, T. (1957) George Birbeck. Pioneer of adult education, Liverpool: Liverpool University Press.
Note: This page is part of our virtual walk around the history of informal education (in central London).
Walking for real: If you would like to do the informal education walk for real then why not join us on our next scheduled walk. It's free! Follow the link for joining details.
© Mark K. Smith 1997. Last update: October 01, 2008
