[Shirley Brooks; Punch; The London Institution] Two substantial Autograph Letters Signed Shirley Brooks concerning The London Institution (founded 1806), one to Mr Tite M.P., the other to The Secretary | London Institution

Two Autograph Letters Signed, bifoliums, good condition. A. Three pages, 12mo, asking the MP, Tite, at length, to intervene with the London Institution on behalf of F.H. Evans (one of the two proprietors of 'Punch') [and] one of the original starters & shareholders of the London Institution). Evans apparently has forfeited his share without being informed of the forfeiture; B. Four pages, 12mo, bifolium. Brooks reveals that his father was the architect of the London Institution. Hence a personal and strong interest. He is concerned that the building is threatened with demolition ('vandalism') (project before Parliament) to make way for a railway. He asks to be kept informed as to the position of the parties. Note: The London Institution was an educational institution founded in London in 1806 (not to be confused with the British Institution for Promoting the Fine Arts in the United Kingdom founded the previous year, with which it shared some founders). It preceded the University of London in making scientific education widely available in the capital to people such as the Dissenters who adhered to non-orthodox religious beliefs and were consequently barred from attending Oxford University or Cambridge University.The Institution moved into premises at Finsbury Circus in 1815 and was particularly noted for the teaching of chemistry. It closed in 1912 and the buildings were used for the University of London until their demolition in 1936. See sample image.