Ellen Wilkinson Building

Who was the “Fiery Particle”? Let’s unravel the story of the Ellen Wilkinson Building, a structure named after a woman as vibrant as her nickname. The Ellen Wilkinson Building, originally the Humanities Building, stands as a tribute to a Manchester native who rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in British politics. Ellen Wilkinson, born in Manchester in 1891, attended Ardwick Higher Grade School before pursuing a BA in History at the University of Manchester, graduating in 1913. She later obtained an MA in 1914. Her journey from these Manchester roots led her to become a national figure. Wilkinson was a champion of the working class, a fiery orator with distinctive red hair, hence the nickname “Red Ellen”. She served as the MP for Middlesbrough East and later for Jarrow. The Jarrow March, a protest against unemployment and poverty in the 1930s, saw her walking at its head, a small but formidable figure. This march, though unsuccessful in its immediate goals, became a powerful symbol of the era and contributed to shaping post-war attitudes towards social justice. Wilkinson’s fight extended beyond domestic issues. She was a vocal critic of fascism, actively supporting the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War and reporting on Nazi Germany. During World War II, Wilkinson served as a junior minister under Churchill, overseeing air raid shelters and civil defence. She gained the nickname “Shelter Queen” for her tireless efforts. Her dedication to public service continued into the postwar era. In Attlee’s government, she became the Minister of Education, the second woman to hold a British cabinet position. She focused on implementing the 1944 Education Act, prioritizing raising the school leaving age to 15. The Ellen Wilkinson Building, appropriately, houses education-focused centers, reflecting her legacy. The building, designed by G. G. Baines of the Building Design Partnership, features a concrete relief by William Mitchell. It serves as a constant reminder of the “Fiery Particle” who blazed a trail from Manchester to Westminster, leaving an indelible mark on British politics and education.