An inspiring history
Dr George Birkbeck started a revolution in London’s education system in 1823 by establishing a college specifically for working people.
The foundation of the London Mechanics’ Institution meant that, for the first time, artisans and craftsmen could learn about science, art and economics – a concept so controversial that Dr Birkbeck was accused of ‘scattering the seeds of evil’.
Immediately the Institution broke new ground. The painter BR Haydon, then one of the most vociferous campaigners for art education, received a rapturous reception when he told students to 'embrace the naked figure', while Dr Birkbeck delivered one of the first lectures on the physical sciences – before both Oxford and Cambridge universities.
As new professions emerged and clerks replaced artisans, the Institution – which adopted the name Birkbeck College in 1907 – developed courses such as typing, book-keeping and shorthand to help students advance their careers. However, students were not limited to basic vocational training and could expand their intellectual horizons with courses on economics, physics, European languages and music.
By 1858, Birkbeck was the first choice for students who wanted a university education but who could not afford to study full-time. Notable students at this time included Fabian socialist and co-founder of the London School of Economics, Sidney Webb, who said that Birkbeck offered 'the kind of evening instruction for the intelligent workman that is unique in the world'.
This role was formalised in 1920 when Birkbeck officially became a School of the University of London on the proviso that it should only teach evening and part-time courses. This is still our central mission.
A commitment to ground-breaking teaching and research also remains. In 1825, Dr George Birkbeck is believed to have delivered one of the first lectures on the practical applications of limelight using a magic lantern. In a time before moving pictures, magic lantern shows were as popular as the cinema is today. Now, Birkbeck is leading the way again through the Arts and Humanities Research Board Centre for British Film and Television Studies. The research centre reflects the convergence between art and film and celebrates the integration of film studies into Birkbeck’s History of Art department to form the School of History of Art, Film and Visual Media.
In the 1940s, Birkbeck physicist Professor Andrew Donald Booth – presented as a Fellow of Birkbeck on 31 March 2003 – developed one of the country’s first computers to help researchers in
JD Bernal’s fledgling Crystallography department find a faster way of completing structural calculations. Now, not only has computing technology helped scientists map the human genome, it has revolutionised several of our teaching programmes. Distance-learning modules mean that students can study at Birkbeck without ever visiting Malet Street, while our e-business programmes give budding company directors the financial skills to succeed in the ‘click-here’ economy.
Dr George Birkbeck believed that every citizen should understand and be able to contribute to scientific, economic and social change. These views are as relevant today as they were in 1823. In the twenty-first century, Birkbeck continues to challenge conventional wisdom by rejecting the narrow viewpoint that education should be linked entirely to employability. Instead we continue to offer students a curriculum that is both wide-ranging and intellectually challenging.
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