The Illustrated London News/Volume 27/771/Birmingham and the Midland Institute



O Thursday his Royal Highness Prince Albert paid a visit to Birmingham, for the purpose of laying the first stone of the above Institute, the object of which is the promotion of science and art amongst the middle and working classes.

The Prince arrived at the Great Western station from Windsor at half-past twelve o'clock, where he was received by the Mayor and Corporation and the Council of the Institute; addresses were delivered, and then a procession was formed to the site of the proposed erection, closely adjoining the Town-hall. The Prince and his suite (the day being unfavourable) were in the Royal carriages. In the town the occasion was observed as a holiday—flags, banners, and arches of flowers and evergreens were displayed along the whole route; and thousands of people lined the streets, windows, and house-tops.

His Royal Highness was received everywhere with the utmost enthusiasm. At the spot appointed the Prince received an Address from the Council of the Institute, laid the stone, and then proceeded to luncheon in the magnificent Town-hall which was crowded in every part; the galleries being filled with ladies, and upwards of four hundred noblemen and gentlemen participating in the entertainment. The Prince made an admirable and thoughtful address, on art and its cultivation by the masses. A powerful choir sung some novel and exquisite pieces.

About four o'clock the Prince took his departure from the Hall, amidst every demonstration of respect, and in a few moments after was on his way to Windsor. The whole affair was a complete success.

Strange as it may seem, Birmingham, with its immense population is, up to the time we write, without the many advantages which a public scientific establishment, with its libraries, reading-rooms, lecture-theatre, public and class instructions is so well calculated to afford. It is greatly to the honour of the promoters of the Birmingham and Midland Institute that they have determined to wipe off this reproach from their flourishing city and have, without distinction of class or sect, boldly come forward to found an institution the advantages of which can hardly be overrated. It is intended eventually that the building shall contain, under one roof, museums, libraries, record-rooms, a large lecture-theatre, and club-rooms; besides which, one entire floor is to be placed at the disposal of the Government School of Design. and another is to be devoted to class Instruction in chemistry and geology, as more especially bearing upon the industrial pursuits of the mid-land district. Before these objects can be attained, an outlay of at least £20,000 will be necessary; but, as at the present time, in spite of much liberality, the subscriptions barely amount to half that sum, the Council of the Institute can only undertake the erection of a corresponding portion of the design. It is hoped, however, that the friends of Science and Art, and of education generally, will sympathise with the objects of the Council, and will enable them to carry out in its integrity their entire plan, so important in its educational bearing upon the manufacturing interests of the kingdom.

The building is to be in the Italian style, according to the designs of Mr. Edward M. Barry, architect, of 1, Old Palace-yard, Westminster, whose plans were selected in competition. The design, as may be seen in our View, is exceedingly appropriate, and reflects great credit on the talents of the architect. The interior of the lecture-room is admirably adapted to its purpose and position. It is a matter of regret the funds do not allow the architect a wider field for his exertions. The edifice is to be erected immediately opposite to the Town-hall, and the necessities of the case have enforced a simplicity of treatment and a sparing employment of ornament.