About the Mechanics' Institute Review

The first Mechanics’ Institute in London was founded in 1823 by George Birkbeck. ‘Mechanics’ then meant skilled artisans, and the purpose of the Institute was to instruct them in the principles behind their craft. The Institute became Birkbeck College, part of London University, in 1920 but still maintains one foot in the academy and one in the outside world.

In keeping with this tradition, The Mechanics’ Institute Review (MIR) publishes well-crafted fiction by established writers and emerging talent from Birkbeck’s Creative Writing MA and Certificate courses.

MIR is published by MA Creative Writing, English and Humanities, Birkbeck, Malet Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HX.

For further information, please contact Anne-Marie Taylor, MA Creative Writing, English and Humanities, Birkbeck, Malet Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HX. Tel: 020 7079 0689. Email: a.taylor@bbk.ac.uk