The Birmingham and Midland Institute

MARGARET STREET, BIRMINGHAM B3 3BS

Telephone 0121-236 3591                      Fax 0121-212 4577

Registered Charity No. 522852              VAT Reg. No. 110 1324 51

Bernard's involvement

At various times Bernard has been a member of the Institute's Board of Governors - its Council. 

He has also served as its Honorary Secretary and the high office of Senior Vice-President. He was also the Council's representative on the Court of the University of Birmingham and has been its representative on the City of Birmingham's Conservation Committee.

Created by Act of Parliament

The Birmingham and Midland Institute is unusual in that it was set up by Act of Parliament in 1854. Its purpose for "the Diffusion and Advancement of Science, Literature and Art amongst all Classes of Persons resident in Birmingham and the Midland Counties". It has therefore been at the heart of Birmingham's educational and cultural life for nearly 150 years, having as one of its earliest Presidents the novelist, Charles Dickens.

BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE LOCATION

Now situated in Margaret Street, in the heart of the City of Birmingham, near to the Town Hall, Council House and Central Reference Library, the B.M.I. played a leading role in the introduction of scientific and technical education in Birmingham, running General, Industrial, Commercial and Music departments until the State gradually took over these functions. It was thus the forerunner of many educational bodies now engaged in teaching science and commerce and is the direct parent of the Birmingham Conservatoire. 

ACTIVITIES IN THIS GRADE II* LISTED BUILDING

Housed in an attractive, Grade II* listed building it is ideally placed where Birmingham's business and commercial quarter meets the City's cultural centre. The B.M.I. has, at the heart of its present activities, its own cultural and educational programme - including a wide spectrum of Arts and Science lectures, exhibitions and concerts. The Birmingham Library, founded in 1779 and re-organised in 1781 by Joseph Priestley (of Oxygen fame) is also part of the Institute and houses some 100,000 volumes. The Institute is registered as a Charity so, for those that qualify, all donations are tax-deductable.

AVAILABILITY OF FACILITIES TO NON-MEMBERS

The facilities of this historic building are available for "outside" events, whether it be a meeting, exhibition, conference or concert. For full details with regard to its programmes, room availability and other facilities please contact Martin Boyle or the Curator or Andrew Peet, the Marketing Development Officer on 0121-236 3591

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