Photographs of classes and events, Leicester Colleges of Art and Technology and Leicester Polytechnic

Photographs originating from the press and marketing office of the City of Leicester Polytechnic, a predecessor of De Montfort University. The photographs show students at work, exhibitions and events and were most likely used for prospectuses, press releases and marketing. Various departments are represented, including fashion and textiles, architecture, chemistry, engineering, design, boot and shoe manufacture, and knitwear technology.

De Montfort University originated in the Leicester School of Art, founded in 1870. A Technical School followed in 1882. The aim of both schools was to provide skilled workers for local industry. In 1897 the School was taken over by the Town Council of the County Borough of Leicester and renamed the Leicester Municipal Technical and Art School.

The Schools went through various changes of name and mergers before amalgamating to become the City of Leicester Polytechnic in 1969. In 1992 this became De Montfort University.

The photographs were kept in envelopes in a large box. They have been re-packaged in archival sleeves and boxes, with markers showing which envelopes the various sets of photographs came from. When re-packaged the one large box became six smaller ones.

Available for general access. External researchers are advised to contact the Archivist for an appointment.

Catalogued by Katharine Short, Archivist, March 2015.

Reproduction of the photographs is permitted depending on their copyright status. Some photographs are stamped with a photographer's details.