The Birkbeck Literary and Scientific Institution, Breams Building

This photograph shows the Breams Building in Fetter Lane, which was the home of The Birkbeck Literary and Scientific Institution (later Birkbeck College) from 1884 to 1952. A generous donation from Francis Ravenscroft, of the robe-making firm Ede and Ravenscroft, helped to pay for the move to this building. It was officially opened by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) in 1885.