Birkbeck presented with former Master's gown
Academic gown gifted to the College
The academic gown worn by Dr George Armitage-Smith, Master of Birkbeck between 1896 and 1918, was presented to Master Professor David Latchman recently.
The gown, which had lain hidden for more than 80 years, was presented by the former Master’s great-grandson, Martin Armitage-Smith.
“I was delighted to have this opportunity to visit Birkbeck and renew my family’s acquaintance with the College,” said Mr Armitage-Smith. “We knew of my great-grandfather’s history with Birkbeck, and have a number of the books he wrote, and a portrait of him as Master, but we had no idea we still had his gown. He must have valued it to have kept it after he retired, so I’m very pleased to be able to give it to the College.
“My great-grandfather led an interesting life and while there are no academics in our family now, each successive generation has gone to university. My wife is now thinking of studying at Birkbeck!”
A political economist and spirited defender of free trade, George Armitage-Smith was born in 1844 and gained his degrees at the University of London. He was a founder member of the Royal Economic Society and wrote several books, among them The Principles and Methods of Taxation in 1906 and The Citizen of England, His Rights and Duties. Well regarded as a fine teacher and lecturer for more than 40 years, he became Master (then Principal) of Birkbeck in 1898 and served in that role for more than 20 years.
During his term of office Dr Armitage-Smith steered the College’s change of name, and status, from the Birkbeck Literary and Scientific Institution to Birkbeck College. His leadership was crucial to the developments which saw Birkbeck eventually become a fully-fledged member college of the University of London. As Principal, he led Birkbeck through the years of the First World War, introducing lectures on military subjects, and offering free education to Belgian refugees, in keeping with the founding traditions and mission of the College to make education accessible to all.
Professor David Latchman said: “Dr Armitage-Smith provided distinguished leadership at a challenging time in our history. He was strongly connected with the University Extension Movement and played a central role in Birkbeck becoming part of the University of London.
“It is an honour to receive this from the Armitage-Smith family, and I look forward to wearing the gown at one of our graduation ceremonies.”