Originally the Royal Polytechnic Institution, what can the University of Westminster tell us? It stands as a testament to London’s rich educational history. Founded in 1838 it opened its doors at 309 Regent Street. Its mission was clear to offer practical knowledge of arts and sciences. These fields connected to manufacturing, mining, and rural affairs.
Sir George Cayley the father of aeronautical engineering became the first chairman. The Polytechnic received its Royal Charter in August 1839. It quickly became a hub of innovation and learning. The University of Westminster housed a large exhibition hall. It also included a lecture theatre and laboratories. Public attractions included working machines and scientific lectures. Demonstrations of photography also took place.
Prince Albert himself visited the institution in 1840. He even descended in a diving bell. The first public photographic portrait studio in Europe opened on its roof in March 1841.
John Henry Pepper joined the Polytechnic in 1847. He introduced evening lectures in engineering and applied science. These lectures were for young working Londoners. Pepper’s contributions extended beyond lectures. He wrote science education books. One book significantly contributed to understanding continental drift.
A theatre was added in 1848 to accommodate growing audiences. Optical shows became popular. These shows combined magic lantern images with live performances. Music, ghosts, and specters added to the experience. The Polytechnic arguably housed the world’s first permanent projection theatre.
Henry Dircks developed the Dircksian Phantasmagoria in 1862. Pepper showcased the effect during a scene from Charles Dickens’s The Haunted Man. Though Pepper tried to credit Dircks, it became known as Pepper’s Ghost.
Under Joseph Butterworth Owen’s leadership the University of Westminster increased formal classes. These classes targeted young men who were denied higher education. Financial difficulties arose despite expansion. A fatal accident in 1859 led to winding up the first institution.
Christian philanthropist Quintin Hogg acquired the lease in December 1881. The premises reopened on 25 September 1882. It became known as the Polytechnic Young Men’s Christian Institute.
An expanded program of classes began in 1882. These included science, engineering, and art. The building housed classrooms, a swimming bath, and a gymnasium. Activities ranged from daily chapels to sports clubs.
The Institute garnered attention from the technical education sector. A public appeal in 1888 raised funds. In 1891 the Institute was reconstituted as The Polytechnic-Regent Street.
The Lumière brothers delivered the first moving film performance to a UK audience here. It took place at the Regent Street Cinema on 21 February 1896. For this reason the cinema has been described as the birthplace of British cinema.
The building at 309 Regent Street was rebuilt in 1910–1912. Student membership exceeded 15000. Pioneering work in professional disciplines became its hallmark.
In 1970 Holborn College of Law, Languages and Commerce merged with Regent Street Polytechnic. They formed the Polytechnic of Central London.
The PCL was redesignated as the University of Westminster in 1992. It gained the power to grant its own degrees. Dame Mary Hogg became part of the court of governors.
The University of Westminster received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2000 and 2005. It established the Africa, Arab, and China Media Centers.
Today the University of Westminster stands as a distinguished institution. It continues a legacy of education and innovation since 1838. The university has four campuses. Three are in central London and one is in Harrow. Its contributions to London’s educational landscape are undeniable. It has shaped countless lives. It continues to contribute significantly to various fields.