Collection OC - College of Science and Arts records

Identity area

Reference code

GB 249 OC

Title

College of Science and Arts records

Date(s)

  • 1823-1887 (Creation)

Level of description

Collection

Extent and medium

0.8 metres

Context area

Name of creator

(1827-1887)

Administrative history

The Glasgow Mechanics' Institution was formed in July 1823, as the result of a dispute between members of the mechanics' class and the managers of Anderson's Institution over Dr Andrew Ure's lectures, and access to the library and museum. George Birkbeck encouraged this schism and agreed to be patron of the new institution, which was the second mechanics' institution founded in Great Britain. A mechanics' class continued to be offered at Anderson's Institution after 1823 and the members of the class continued in dispute with Dr Ure over his lectures.

After a period in temporary premises in Shuttle Street, the Glasgow Mechanics' Institution moved in 1831 to North Hanover Street to a building provided by John Leadbetter, a Glasgow businessman and former student of Anderson's Institution. In 1862, the Mechanics' Institution moved to a new building at 38 Bath Street.

The opening lecture was delivered on 5 November 1823 by John Steele, Lecturer in Chemistry and Mechanics, and in later years the Institution offered courses in science and mechanics, architectural and mechanical drawing, mechanical and electrical engineering and naval architecture. On 13 May 1881 the Mechanics' Institution changed its name to the College of Science and Arts and in 1887, with Anderson's College and other institutions, it became part of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College.

Archival history

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Minute books; annual reports; financial records; subscriptions books; letter books; memorandum and articles of association; class timetable; examination paper; architectural drawings used in art classes.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Open

Conditions governing reproduction

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

    Language and script notes

    Physical characteristics and technical requirements

    Finding aids

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    Existence and location of originals

    Existence and location of copies

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    Alternative identifier(s)

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    Description identifier

    Institution identifier

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        Accession area