Aston University is a public research university situated in the city centre of Birmingham, England. Aston began as the Birmingham Municipal Technical School in 1895, evolving into the UK's first college of advanced technology in 1956. Aston University received its royal charter from Queen Elizabeth II on 22 April 1966.
Arms of Aston University
The Birmingham Municipal Technical School in Suffolk Street, founded in 1895.
Queen Elizabeth II opening the Main Building at Gosta Green in 1955.
The main building with water sculpture Tipping Triangles by Angela Conner. The building is one of Europe's largest freestanding brick buildings.
Birmingham and Midland Institute
The Birmingham and Midland Institute, is an institution concerned with the promotion of education and learning in Birmingham, England. It is now based on Margaret Street in Birmingham city centre. It was founded in 1854 as a pioneer of adult scientific and technical education ; and today continues to offer arts and science lectures, exhibitions and concerts. It is a registered charity. There is limited free access to the public, with further facilities available on a subscription basis.
Birmingham and Midland Institute, current site
Recruitment leaflet, 1866. Written and designed by J. H. Chamberlain, Honorary Secretary, who appears in the first woodcut recruiting Hercules to the institute. The text tells two apocryphal stories: one of a poor man who, inspired by a BMI lecture, made his fortune: the other of a man who scoffed at the BMI and grew ass-like ears.
Blue plaque to Albert Ketèlbey commemorating his time as a student of the Birmingham School of Music
The Paradise Street building, demolished c. 1965
