London Borough of Lambeth
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH LAMBETH ARCHIVES DEPARTMENT Reference number IV/224 Title Morley College Covering dates 1888-2013 Physical extent 29 boxes & 2 volumes Creator Morley College Administrative history Morley College originated in the work of the Coffee Music Halls Company Ltd. who promoted temperance and the arts in London. The college was established by Emma Cons, a visionary and social reformer who fought to improve standards of London’s Waterloo district. In 1880, Cons, with the support of the Coffee Music Halls Company Ltd. leased what is now known as the ‘Old Vic’ theatre and created the Royal Victoria Coffee and Music Hall. In 1882 the hall began to host weekly lectures in which eminent scientists would address the public on a wide range of topics. The success of these lectures led to the establishment of Morley Memorial College for working men and women, named after Samuel Morley, a textile manufacturer, MP and philanthropist who contributed to Morley College. In the 1920s the college moved to Westminster Bridge Road where it remains today although it has since expanded and now includes Morley Gallery and Arts Studio and the Nancy Seear Building. The college has attracted eminent staff including composer Gustav Holst, Director of Music 1907- 1924, a post later filled by Sir Michael Kemp Tippet, 1940-1951. Other high profile personalities associated with the college include composer Ralph Vaughn Williams, writer Virginia Woolf and artist David Hockney. Acquisition or transfer information Collection acquired by Lambeth Archives between 1999-2007 as a gift. Acquisition numbers: 1999/11, 2002/30, 2003/13, 2006/11, 2007/23; ARC/2013/6,8.
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