The London Mechanics' Institute

This engraving, probably made in the 1850s, shows the first London Mechanics' Institute premises in Southampton Buildings, London. Early meetings were held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, then the Institute had various temporary homes, before moving to these premises off Chancery Lane in 1825. The Institute remained here until 1885. In the latter half of the 19th century, this building also housed the Birkbeck Bank.