Birmingham Polytechnic Institution

{{Short description|UK university (1843–1853)}}

{{ distinguish|Birmingham Polytechnic}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}

Birmingham Polytechnic Institution was a polytechnic formed in 1843 in Birmingham, England. It was supported by leading Liberals in the city such as George Dawson. The Polytechnic mainly taught languages, chemistry and mathematics and had a library of 4,000 volumes. George Battison Haines, who was involved with the local freehold land movement, acted as librarian.Aris's Birmingham Gazette, 11 October 1858 Charles Dickens was among the visiting academics who gave speeches at the Polytechnic, he gave a speech for the Polytechnic in the Birmingham Town Hall in May 1846.Birmingham Daily Post (Birmingham, England), Tuesday, 13 December 1870; Issue 3870 Other guest lecturers included Sir Robert Peel, who gave a lecture on Switzerland.The Preston Guardian etc (Preston, England), Saturday, 14 May 1853; Issue 2124

In 1845 the dramatist Douglas Jerrold presided over a meeting of the Polytechnic where its second literary soiree was held.The Manchester Guardian (1828-1900); 30 Apr 1845 He was presented with an "elegant gold ring" by the jewellers of the city and he gave what is said to have been his first public speech.The Manchester Guardian (1828-1900); 17 May 1845

Although the Polytechnic had over 500 members at one stage, including over 100 women, support fell away with the institution not commanding as much support from the middle and working classes as had been hoped for.Daily News (London, England), Thursday, 11 October 1849; Issue 1054 The Polytechnic closed in 1853.{{fact|date=January 2024}}