The Polytechnic

Wolverhampton Polytechnic, now of course the University of Wolverhampton, has a long and interesting past, going back around 85 years before the present site in Wulfruna Street was acquired. It began life as the Wolverhampton Tradesmen's and Mechanics' Institute, founded in about 1827 in a private house in King Street, which was Wolverhampton's first adult educational institution. Its complex story, up to the early years of the university is told in the following parts.

I have tried to include photographs wherever possible, along with maps and details from some of the many publications produced by the establishment over the years. It is an interesting story with a simple beginning that eventually led to the formation of today's vast educational organisation.

Wulfruna Street in the 1950s. From an old postcard.

		Contents
1.		The Early Years
2.		The Wolverhampton and Staffordshire Technical College
3.		The National Foundry College
4.		Day and evening courses from the 1947 to 1948 session
5.		The 1950s and 1960s
6.		Images from a mid 1950s college booklet
7.		The 1958-59 prospectus of full-time courses
8.		The Wolverhampton School of Art and Crafts part 1
9.		The Wolverhampton School of Art and Crafts part 2
10.		The 1970s
11.		The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
12.		The 1980s
13.		The 1990s
14.		Images of 'C' Block
15.		The Old Post Office
16.		Sad Losses. Bereavements.
17.		References

I must thank David Parsons for his invaluable help in producing this section.

If anyone has any photos or memories that can be included here, please do send me an email. I will be delighted to hear from you.


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