Category: University history

posts exploring the history of the University of Hull

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Archival practice Archive collections General Hull University Archives Library insider University history

Coronations and the East Riding

With the upcoming coronation of King Charles III, here at the University Archives we wondered what we might have hidden amongst the collections that related to coronations past. It turns out we have a small but interesting selection of material.

As we might expect, there were a number of nationally produced commemorative publications and souvenir programmes. However, the items that caught our eye most were programmes which captured local celebrations, demonstrating how the people of Hull and the East Riding chose to mark these occasions.

Partying it up in the regions, 1937 and 1953

For instance, this small souvenir programme was produced by Withernsea Urban District Council. It records the official events that were held to mark the occasion of the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on 12 May 1937.

Souvenir programme, 12 May 1937 [Reference Number U DX157-1 (1)]

The day kicked off at Pier Towers with a fanfare of trumpets played by the Gospel Mission Band. This was immediately followed by a pageant procession and distribution of souvenirs. In the afternoon, sports were played on the Central School playing fields and a tea was held for over-65s at the Queen’s Ballroom. The evening’s events included tree planting at Municipal Buildings, a presentation of pageant prizes, and a young people’s dance at the Central School. The day ended with a torch light procession to Hull Road playing fields, where a bonfire was lit and the crowd was treated to a fireworks display.

Souvenir programme, 12 May 1937 [Reference Number U DX157-1 (2)]

Similar celebrations were held in Swanland. Children of the parish were presented with commemorative cups. After a service and an official opening of the celebrations, both adults and children were invited to take part in a fancy dress parade. Prizes were awarded for best decorated cycle, best costume, and most original costume. Additionally, prizes were awarded for the best decorated houses in the parish, although these presumably were not part of the parade! In the afternoon, sports were organised, including children’s races and high jumping, alongside adult events, such as the ‘married ladies’ egg and spoon race and the ‘gents’ sack race. At 4pm, children were treated to a tea in the Memorial Hall. To finish the day, a ‘talkie cinema show’ was held in the Memorial Hall, followed by a coronation dance with live band and MC.

Souvenir programme, 12 May 1937 [Reference Number U DX184-22 (2)]

Sixteen years later, Swanland parish marked the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II with an extravagant programme of events lasting a full week.

Souvenir programme, May 1953 [Reference Number U DX184-25 (1)]

Residents were encouraged to decorate their houses and keep the village tidy, Girl Guides distributed souvenir programmes to all residences, and souvenir beakers, spoons, cups and saucers were available to purchase. Events included the unveiling of a specially constructed village sign by the pond, a whist drive with free admission for pensioners, a coronation dance and buffet ‘at moderate charges’, the lighting of a beacon in the parish field by members of local youth groups as part of a national chain of beacons, a village concert, sports, and the presentation of three one act plays by the Swanland Drama Group.

Souvenir programme, May 1953 [Reference Number U DX184-25 (3)]

The party boat, 1953

One item from the collections illustrates how people from Hull and the East Riding have contributed to coronation events on a national stage.

Amongst the records of the Ellerman’s Wilson Line, we discovered a file relating to this shipping company’s involvement in the Spithead Naval Review, staged as part of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Ships anchorage plan for the Spithead Naval Review, 1953 [U DEW2/8/16 (2)]

Ellerman’s Wilson Line was once one of the largest shipping companies in the world, and was asked to participate in the review by nominating and sending a ship from their own fleet. The company selected the S.S. Borodino.

Press cutting relating to the upcoming involvement of the S.S. Borodino in the Spithead Naval Review, 1953 [U DEW2/8/16 (4)]

The S.S. Borodino was captained by a Humber Pilot, Captain E. Ford, who had worked for the company since 1911. He was asked to write an account of his life at sea for use in publicity material for the review. In the opening passage he describes how his first experience of ships was being onboard a small Wilson Line steamer captained by his father, and how this experience had a royal connection.

Account of the life of Captain E. Ford of the S.S. Borodino, 1953 [U DEW2/8/16 (5)]

The file also contains a full list of crew members who were present onboard the S.S. Borodino during the event.

Typescript list of the crew of the S.S. Borodino, 1953 [U DEW2/8/16 (6)]

One of the additional support staff employed for the occasion was 25 year old steward, Fred Young. When a launch from the royal yacht was sent to collect Captain Ford for a sherry party being hosted by the newly crowned Queen, Young heroically dived into the river to rescue two sailors who had been knocked off the launch into the water. Slightly more excitement than was expected on the day!

Press cutting recounting the heroics of Fred Young at the Spithead Naval Review, 1953 [U DEW2/8/16 (3)]

The rest of the event appears to have gone off without a hitch. The S.S. Borodino sailed from Hull on the 12th June 1953 with a full complement of guests, each of whom were allocated their own private rooms.

Guest list with allocated cabins [U DEW2/8/16 (7)]

Having had a thoroughly good time, all involved returned to Hull onboard the ship, which arrived back in port on the 17th June. The file contains numerous letters thanking the directors of the company for their hospitality and for the chance to participate in such a notable occasion.

Copy letter responding to a letter of thanks, with photograph showing the S.S. Borodino dressed up for the occasion [U DEW2/8/16 (1)]

This quick search through the archives for coronation related material just goes to show that, if you can think of a subject, there’s probably something hidden away waiting to be discovered.

And so, with a brief nod to coronations past, we move forward into a new royal era.

Hull University Archives

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University history

The journey of the Library Exhibition space during Hull City of Culture 2017

Prior to 2017, the Library exhibition space was originally used in a more corporate fashion; university events, networking events and lunch gatherings were popular within the Academic and University community. It hosted a lectern and chairs most of the time – very formal and most of the time pretty empty.

In order to prepare for the exhibitions to come we needed to meet a higher level of security requirements. The space had additional security installed over its windows and doors to ensure it became a secure space and the lectern unofficially retired to the back closet.

In January 2017 we hosted Lines of Thought from the British Museum, drawings from Michelangelo to now.

Lines of Thought promotional material.

It drew the largest crowd we had ever seen! Everyone wanted to be part of the buzz of City of Culture and we excitedly scanned tickets and ordered some barriers to manage the queues which were rapidly forming.

Lines of thought exhibition.

There were also workshops to engage students in drawing their own pieces, coordinated by Heidi Wigmore.

The end of February saw the end of Lines of Thought. The newly erected walls in the center of the room were pulled down and the decorators intensively patched and repainted the space to its former glory. The floor underwent an intensive clean – after so many visitors (approx. 20,000) it hosted track marks where people had walked through the space – like an unofficial directional route.

The exhibition was a huge success for the Library. The first we had supported from an operational perspective, helping host invigilators, Art History student volunteers, City of Culture volunteers, manage ticket sales and queues. It was eye opening to what the space now was and could continue to be for the future of our cultural program.

Following lines of thought we hosted Paul Smith to J.K. Rowling: BP Portrait Award commissions from the National Portrait Gallery, 29th March to 11th June 2017. The works were all commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery as part of the first prize of the BP Portrait Award.

Paul Smith by James Lloyd, Sir Ian McKellen by Clive Smith, J.K Rowling by Stuart Pearson Wright.

We were all stunned by the realism of these paintings, they were truly real to life and showed so much expression. Having Sir Ian McKellen stare directly back at you was an experience. The paintings themselves were absolutely huge too, a juxtaposition of the Michelangelo we had previously exhibited.

Visitors taking in the National Portrait Gallery exhibits.

It was sad to see the exhibition move out in June. Despite the luxury of being able to visit the space often, there was always something new which had you captured each time. It was one of my favorites to walk through.

Our next exhibition, Phillip Larkin: New Eyes Each Year was our first immersive experience curated by Anna Farthing from 12th July – Oct 2017. Book shelves wound around the space showcasing artifacts from Larkin alongside his doodles.

Philip Larkin: New Eyes Each Year exhibit.
Larkin’s ties hung from the ceiling and a lawnmower from the wall.

Yes, that is right ties from the ceiling and a lawnmower on the wall. There was many a health and safety conversation about that one! The space was full to the brim with Larkin’s personal possessions – he was certainly a collector. Larkin was the University Librarian at the University of Hull from 1955-1985 and so this one felt close to home for us. It was a rare opportunity to see the man behind the poetry and we offered tours of his library office and showcased his works kept at the Hull History Centre archives alongside. Visitors commented how the whole experience felt very ‘Library’, the atmosphere which was created encouraged people to sit and spend time within the space – you often saw someone perched on the bench just taking some time.

During de-installation, the Library, Hull History Centre and the Larkin Society got to keep many of the artifacts for safe keeping. Larkin’s doodle from this exhibition found a much loved home in the Reading Room next to the Spotlight display.

The 20th October to 26th November 2017 saw us host An Eyeful of Wry, works from the UK Government Art Collection. It was very much centered around humor and it certainly raised a smile within the Library.

Part of An Eyeful of Wry exhibition.

Students absolutely loved this exhibition! I think mainly because each day we placed a set of joke posters in the space and the students focused on collecting them all to decorate their dorm rooms.

Student volunteers helping roll a joke poster for visiting guests.
The musical piano.

The musical piano resembling something from the In the Night Garden’s Ninky Nonk played a tune triggered by the push of a big red button. It was loved by some, hated by others – most Library staff being the latter as you often left work humming along to the tune.

We rounded our City of Culture year with Painting Power: The Art of Terence Cuneo from the Science Museum Group, curator Ian Blatchford and National Railway Museum’s curator Andrew McLean – December through to April 2018. It featured railway paintings, industrial power alongside sovereign and state. It intrigued many that Cuneo painted a mouse into his works and lead to a spot the most mice competition for anyone working within the space. His works were so detailed it often took some time or multiple attempts to find them.

Giants refreshed: Pacific’s in the Doncaster Locomotive works
Visitors enjoying the Cuneo exhibit.

In wrapping up our City of Culture exhibits we had played host to hundreds of volunteers who had all dedicated time to the Library to ensure our loaned collections were safe and to engage with our visitors. They all helped shape our experience within this cultural programme and we wanted to make sure we gave them something back. We hosted a volunteer event up on the 7th floor to celebrate our year and to plan for our future in hosting further exhibitions at the Library.

Group photo of the City of Culture volunteers.
A feedback board – they wrote their thoughts on the washing line of people.
Props for some fun activities during the event.

The Library has continued to host exhibits within its spaces collaborating with the Science Festival, the University Spaces of Sanctuary group, individual curators such as DJ Roberts with another exciting nod to Larkin. Most recently we have hosted Peter Huby, Hull and Back and continue to build an exciting program into 2023 and beyond.

The current Art collection, any visiting exhibitions and opening times can all be found advertised through the Library webpage.

Categories
University history

The Redevelopment of the Brynmor Jones Library

by Sharon Redgrave

When the library was built in 1959 and then extended in the late 1960’s, talk of mobile phones, computers, eBooks, the Internet, and such like would have seemed like the stuff of science fiction. But in 2012, the world was a very different place. This was the year of the London Olympics. We had our Apple iPhone 5 or Samsung S3 and our computers were running Windows 8. It became clear that the library needed to be brought up to date. The furniture was past its best. We had one printer on each floor and two on the ground floor. The printing came out automatically. At assessment time, there was a scrum of people at the printers trying to retrieve their work. There were very few electrical sockets in the library. Members of the shelving team were constantly faced with trailing wires at knee height all over the library floors as students plugged in their laptops. The floors in the tower block were crumbling with several potholes down some of the aisles.

Work began in the summer of 2012. We started by moving all the closed run journals from the basement and the floors into some unused buildings on the west campus. A removal firm was brought in, and a plan was put in place for everything to be packed up in classmark order. Items of the same classmark were picked from the basement, collected from the floors, and boxed up together and put into storage. Once the redevelopment was complete, it would then be a simple process of having the stock returned to the library and being able to put it straight back out on the shelves in classmark order. How wrong we were!

Conveyor belt moving all the closed run journals.

The closed run journals were moved to another building using a conveyor belt. This process was short lived once the Health and Safety team saw the conveyor belt balanced on pallets. In July 2012, work began on moving all the books from second floor east and re- shelving them on the seventh floor. Working in teams, trolley loads of books were shuttled from floor to floor

2nd floor East after all of the books were removed.

On 6th August 2012, back-office staff moved out of the library to temporary accommodation in Salmon Grove. The frontline customer service staff stayed behind to experience what it was like to work on a building site. The library remained open throughout this time. It was cold, it was dusty, and it was noisy. There wasn’t any heating in the building and due to several walls being missing, the temperature was often as low as 8 °C. Staff could often be seen sporting woolly hats when working at the reception desk. There was a large fan to disperse the copious amounts of dust in the air. Walls were knocked down around us, sometimes with concrete falling unexpectedly. Some new choice language was heard, which on occasion came over the tannoy or echoed round the silence of the Reading Room when the drilling stopped but the workmen carried on shouting.

Foundations being built in the Library
Exterior of the Library covered in scaffolding

The evacuation of the library became a matter of routine as the fire alarm went off on a near daily basis, often more than once a day. Pipes leaked all over the pamphlet stock that had been moved to what was thought a safe location. A hoist was attached to the outside of the building to allow the easy delivery of building materials. It also allowed the easy access of pigeons.

Hoist outside of the Library.
Digger inside of the Library.
First Floor light well covered over.
Old staircase in the Library.

All of this happened around our students continuing to use the library.
A decant area, often referred to as “the decadent area” by some of our students, was created on the ground floor for us to store books from the floors in the tower block.

Decant area of the Library.

In late August 2013, the books started to be moved to the newly created Reading Room.

The Reading Room under construction.
The finished Reading Room.

A few weeks later, the third and fourth floors reopened. Meanwhile, books from the second, fifth, sixth and seventh floors were moved to the decant area.


In December 2013, the new first and second floors of the east building were opened. By April 2014, all the floors in the tower block, except the first floor, had reopened. Finally in August of that year all the work had been completed. The library was officially opened on 15th September 2015 by the then poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy.

Although it was not easy working in the library during this time, the camaraderie in our team is something I will always remember. I wish I had kept a daily diary of the events that took place along with daily photos. It would have been a good way to document all that happened. Finally, we have library that is fit for the 21st century. Our students can plug in their devices in numerous sockets in the building- even our furniture has plug sockets. We have super-fast Wi-Fi, printers throughout the building and more computers than ever before, laptops that can be loaned, a silent study area, group learning rooms with large computer screens, a postgraduate lounge, a Rare Books Room, a large cafe and an art gallery. It took a while to get there but it was worth the journey.

The Post Graduate Research Lounge.
A group learning room.
The Library Café.
The Library Art Gallery.
The exterior of the Library at night.

Categories
General Hull University Archives Library insider University history

‘A Lifted Study Storehouse:’ Philip Larkin and the Brynmor Jones Library

By day, a lifted study-storehouse; night  

Converts it to a flattened cube of light.  

Whichever’s shown, the symbol is the same:  

Knowledge; a University; a name.

Philip Larkin, 1983. On the Brynmor Jones Library, from Collected Poems, 1988.

Larkin at 100

Given what would have been Larkin’s 100th birthday on the 9th of August 2022, our latest blog post focuses on Larkin’s career as head librarian at the Brynmor Jones Library. This includes what Larkin contributed to the library during his employment, and how his presence can be observed within the building today.

The recently developed library is a modern facility at the heart of the campus.
An illustration of the redevelopment of the Brynmor Jones Library. 

Hull University Library in the 1960s

Larkin’s biographer, and a poet in his own right, Andrew Motion wrote that ‘in all the libraries which employed him. Larkin combined the roles of scholar, technician and administrator’ (Goodman, 1999). At the time in which Larkin was employed at the University of Hull in 1955, he had held previous employment at several libraries from 1943 onwards. These being: Wellington Public Library (1943-1946), University of Leicester (1946-1950), and Queen’s University in Belfast (1950-1955). As Andrew Motion states, Larkin’s role as librarian involved multiple duties as part of the position.

This can be evidenced through Larkin’s career at the University of Hull, as he oversaw the transformation of the library alongside the university’s vice-chancellor of the time Professor Brynmor Jones, from which the library now takes its name. As of Larkin’s employment in 1955, the library contained 124,000 items and employed just 12 staff to support the 727 students of the university at this time. Larkin ‘presided over its transformation during the next two decades. A new purpose-built library was opened in two stages in 1960 and 1970, and by 1985 there were over 750,000 items in stock, a computerised catalogue and circulation system, and over 80 staff’ (Hull History Centre, 2017).

Larkin's involvement in the library's redevlopment in the 60s played a role in the modern, technology-enabled library that can be observed as of today.
From the Estate of Philip Larkin.

Larkin and the Library’s Transformation

At the time, the university library was one of the first to be redeveloped in post-war Britain. The task was understood to be challenging, given that Larkin had no previous experience in the architectural field. Larkin’s muse and co-worker Maeve Brennan recalled that Larkin worked on the project ‘far removed from library staff…he spread out the plans for the new building and worked on them most afternoons. We had strict instructions that his whereabouts were not to be revealed nor was he to be interrupted except on matters of urgency’ (Goodman, 1999).

During this construction, the progress was split into two stages and would involve the production of a three storey building complete with the addition of reading rooms. It was Larkin who made several suggestions to the university concerning the library’s layout during this period. This was specifically in regards to the university’s initial idea of separating the book stacks from the students within the building. The university accepted these recommendations, and certain aspects of Larkin’s attention to detail can be observed in the building’s inspired modern lighting and coloured stacks to this day. During this period, Larkin worked closely with the architect for the project and photographed the progress as the building was constructed. 

The library was certainly different in Larkin's time, we had a lot less space and cars could park right outside the front door!
The library has since expanded, with the older extension from Larkin's time still being preserved.
From The University of Hull Archives.

Larkin as Poet and Librarian

It is evident that during Larkin’s time at the University of Hull, his role blended between librarian and poet. It was during this period where Larkin produced his celebrated works The Whitsun Weddings (1964) and High Windows (1974). Despite the critical acclaim, Larkin chose to remain a private individual, even turning down the position of Poet Laureate in his attempts to avoid the limelight.

The poet seemed to prefer his role as librarian, once stating in an interview that ‘librarianship suits me…it has just the right blend of academic interest and administration that seems to match my particular talents’ (Goodman, 1999). The university staff and students that interacted with Larkin during this period have given a mixed retelling of their experiences, many of which can be observed in the University of Hull Alumni Association’s blog which highlights particular memories of Larkin.  

The original Librarian sign from the 1959 redevelopment can still be observed on the first floor today.
The original Librarian sign from the 1959 building.

Larkin’s Presence Today

Larkin’s presence in the Brynmor Jones Library remains to this day, within the preserved location of the librarian’s office. This has been the office of the University of Hull librarian since 1959, when the first phase of the library was built under Larkin’s supervision. It was used by Philip Larkin from 1959 until his death in 1985. He wrote to his mother that ‘my room is so beautiful I can hardly believe it. I’m afraid it will make everyone so green with jealousy that I shall be the most hated person in Hull’ (Pearman, 2014). After Larkin’s death, his secretary, Betty Mackereth, with whom he had a secret love affair with, shredded the thirteen volumes of his diary in this office, in accordance to his wishes.

The electric fire from the 1959 redevlopment can still be observed in the librarian's office.
Larkin's Olivetti Lettera DL typewriter is positioned in the centre of the librarian's main desk in the office.
The original electric fire and surround (left) and Larkin’s Olivetti Lettera DL typewriter (right).

A number of things are original to the room to this day: the bookcase; the electric fire and its surround, the parquet flooring and the desk. The desk has a brass plaque commemorating its use by Larkin. He boasted that it was ‘larger than that of President Kennedy’ (Pearman, 2014). It was restored as part of the redevelopment of the library, and improved. The top of the desk is now real leather in place of the original leatherette. The typewriter is Larkin’s personal Olivetti Lettera DL.

Larkin's collection is on display during Larkin library tours, that are available upon request.
The plaque reads: 'From 1959 to 1985 this desk was used by Philip Larkin, poet and University Librarian.'
The original Librarian desk with the commemorative Larkin brass plaque.

The collection of books in the bookcase is the Brynmor Jones Collection. It was assembled by the library in honour of the university’s Vice-Chancellor Sir Brynmor Jones when he retired in 1972. It consists of first editions of titles published between 1890 and 1940 that were nominated by the university’s academic departments as being of particular importance. The period of 1890 to 1940 is also the focus of the University Art Collection. The ‘Librarian’ sign on the door, pictured above, leads directly into the office from the first floor of the library and is original to the 1959 building.

The original bookcase hosts the Brynmor Jones collection, and is positioned at the back of the room.
The Brynmor Jones book collection.

There were some particular objects that Larkin kept in his office during his employment, one of these being the pottery frog money box from circa 1970. This is a reminder of Larkin’s poems Toads, written in 1954, and Toads Revisited, written in 1962, about the necessity of going to work to earn a living. When asked by an interviewer, ‘how did you arrive upon the image of a toad for work or labour?’ he replied, ‘Sheer genius’ (Phillips, 2003). There is also the Hermes 3000 office typewriter situated near the bookshelf, circa 1969.

Larkin's toad ornament can be observed in front of Larkin's nameplate.
Larkin's Hermes 3000 office typewriter is positioned next to the original bookcase, in its original casing.
The toad ornament (left) and the Hermes 3000 office typewriter (right).

As pictured below, there are also three mugs of Larkins on display: a Queen Elizabeth II coronation mug, a D.H. Lawrence mug, and a lettered ‘P’ mug. Larkin’s nameplate can also be observed, as well as a collection of vinyls of Larkin reading his poetry. 

The mugs are part of a wider collection of Larkin's possessions, that are available to view upon request at the Hull History Centre.
Larkin’s mug collection.
A vinyl of Philip Larkin's reading of his popular collection 'High Windows' can be observed.
A selected vinyl collection.

The Modern Day Brynmor Jones Library

Following Larkin’s involvement in the transformation of the library, the building has since had another upgrade. Work began in 2012 and was completed by 2015, with the Poet Laureate of the time, Professor Dame Carol Ann Duffy opening the site. The library’s collection is now slightly larger since Larkin’s time. We now house over one million books in the building, alongside other physical and digital resources. Larkin’s presence within the Brynmor Jones Library is important to discuss, as are the contentious aspects of his character.

This month, the University Library’s Twitter Conversation highlights the contentious aspects of the poet’s life and challenges us to consider how we feel about his poetry in this context. The University Archive and the Hull History Centre contain manuscripts, drafts of poems and novels, photographs and Larkin’s jazz record collection. These materials can be requested at the Hull History Centre for viewing. If you would like to follow the Conversation, you can do so below.

For Reference

Goodman, Richard. (1999). My Particular Talents. Humanities Collections. 1(2), pp.45-60. [Online]. Available at: https://philiplarkin.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/my_particular_talents_rgoodman.pdf. 

Hull History Centre. (2017). Philip Larkin. [Online]. Hull History Centre. Available at: https://www.hullhistorycentre.org.uk/research/research-guides/philip-larkin.aspx. 

Larkin, Philip. (2014). A lifted study-storehouse. In: Burnett, Archie. (Ed). The Complete Poems of Philip Larkin. London: Faber and Faber Limited. 

Pearman, Hugh. (2014). After this it will be all Danish butter-factories. [Online]. RIBA. Available at: https://www.ribaj.com/culture/philip-larkin-and-the-architects. 

Phillips, Robert. (2003). The Madness of Art. New York: Syracuse University Press. p.23.

Categories
Hull University Archives University history

Fire! Air Raid Precautions at the University in the Second World War

Every now and again we uncover a small collection of records at Hull University Archives that really bring life to years gone by. One such discovery was made in 2019 whilst staff were preparing an exhibition and source guide on Second World War records. Amongst the early records created by the University of Hull, we found a series of Second World War firewatchers’ report books with associated papers.

Firewatchers report books [UA PARCEL 26]

These records give us a fascinating glimpse into some of the air raid precautions that were taken by the University.

A fire-watching scheme

The University initiated a scheme for fire-watching in February 1941. The need for such a scheme was driven by heavy bombing raids on the city. These bombing raids often caused fires to spread in areas where bombs fell.

Description of a bombing raid observed by the firewatchers on duty at the Science Building (Cohen), May 1941

Willing volunteers

75 staff and students signed up for the scheme in the initial months, indicating a clear enthusiasm at the University to support Civil Defence efforts. This, however, was not enough to ensure that each volunteer only worked the maximum 48 hours per month suggested by the government’s Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order 1941. The average number of hours worked by fire-watchers at the University was 63 per month. By 1942 staff and student numbers were depleted as a result of enlistment. It was only possible to continue the fire-watching scheme because many men carried out both fire-watching and other civil defence duties. Female students stepped into the gap, undertaking fire-watching duties at the Needler Hall accommodation building.

Entry recording shortage of firewatchers at the Science Building (Cohen) and a need to use female students from Needler Hall to fill the gaps

Equipment

The University provided equipment for the use of firewatchers on duty, along with instructions for what to do:

‘If a fire bomb has lodged above ground, use the rake to pull it down to the floor, then apply sand’; and ‘Dustbin lids are to be used as shields when dealing with incendiary bombs’.

Excerpt from instructions given to firewatchers by the University
Air raid precaution equipment given to firewatchers by the University

Fire-watching posts

Staff established fire-watching posts on top of the Science and Arts Buildings. Fire-watching duties included raising the alarm if a fire was spotted, as well as making a record of any air raid alerts, plane sightings, anti-aircraft activity, and all clear sirens.

Entry recording an air raid alert, several bursts of anti-aircraft fire, and the all clear being given

Maintaining morale

Shifts were long, lasting from 6pm to 9am the following morning. Four fire-watchers were on duty each night. The four fire-watchers were to consist of one staff member and three students. At least one individual had to be on look out at all times.

Request made by firewatchers for supplies to make the shifts more tolerable!

It is unclear as to whether the above suggestions were granted…probably not! To pass the time more soberly the fire-watchers played games:

Entry recording a game of chess played to pass the time whilst on duty

Blackout duties

In addition to their duties as fire-watchers, the volunteers also served as blackout officers. If any light could be seen emanating from windows or doors, the University buildings might become a target for enemy planes flying overhead. Blackout infractions are detailed in the fire-watchers’ report books:

Report book entry relating to blackout measures

Provisions

The volunteers were provided with meals and hot drinks by the University. Comments entered into the report books show that provisions weren’t always considered ‘up to scratch’ by those on duty:

Entry recording a firewatcher’s thoughts on the dinner provided by the University
A description of the lasting memory of the ‘chocolate mould’ referred to in the former entry

But we must remember that there was a war on and supplies were short, although this doesn’t appear to have prevented the volunteers from complaining:

Entry requesting that some sugar be provided to mask the taste of the coffee

Close but no cigar

Other than a few near misses and a bit of superficial damage, the report books show that the University campus escaped any major incidents during the Hull Blitz of 1941-1942.

Entry noting fires observed in Hull which were caused by incendiary explosives
Statement that two craters had been made in the sports fields on campus by a falling bomb
Note recording near misses around the University campus

Unbroken spirit

Fire-watching at the University continued throughout the war, only finishing on 24 March 1945. However, the report books show that the initial enthusiasm for volunteering had worn off by late 1942. After this time, we find various notes indicating that fire-watchers were turning up late or not at all for their registered duty. However, given the difficulties faced by fire-watchers we can perhaps understand a dip in levels of enthusiasm. Volunteers were having to contend with faulty equipment, lack of food, loss of vacation time. By 1942, the situation was no longer novel. War-weariness had set in and the initial excitement of something quite out of the ordinary had warn off. Fire-watching had become a dull task, made worse by the drudgery of having to repeat it month after month.

One firewatcher’s musings on the night sky, and another’s comments on those musings

These books offer us a valuable opportunity to examine the experiences of those who remained behind during the Second World War. The descriptions recorded in their pages help us to understand how the city must have looked, sounded and smelled during an air raid. And the comments made by the fire-watchers give us a glimpse at their personalities.

Check out our guide, to find out more about Second World War records at Hull History Centre.

Categories
Hull University Archives University history

Torches and Bonfires

Detail from the front cover of the first issue of The Torch student magazine

With November the 5th coming up, here at Hull University Archives we thought a warming wander through student bonfire nights past might be a nice diversion.

So we turned to the University of Hull’s student newspapers for inspiration. And it was only then that the serendipity of the situation struck us – the first student magazine was aptly (for our purpose) named The Torch!

Front cover of the first issue of The Torch, Dec 1928

Lighting the Torch

First issued in December 1928, it has gone through several iterations, initially as The Torch, then as Torchlight, and it continues to this day as HullFire. These names draw inspiration from the University’s motto:

Extract from the Third Annual Report of the University College of Hull, 1928-29

From the Latin for ‘Bearing the torch’, our motto is a play on the name of the University’s first benefactor, Thomas R. Ferens.

At the beginning of the first issue of The Torch is a foreword written by the University’s principal. This sets the tone and highlights the hopes of those involved for the future of the University:

Extract from the Foreword of the first issue of The Torch, Dec 1928

The Principal’s message is echoed in a short poem included at the end of the first issue:

Poem from the first issue of The Torch, Dec 1928

And so The Torch was lit. But back to our original purpose…

Remember, remember the 5th of November

In the third issue of The Torch we find our first reference to bonfire night. A report describes the events:

The Torch, Dec 1929 – Report ‘The Fifth of November’

With such fun to be enjoyed, and perhaps a late night dancing, the following morning appears to have been a bit of a come down. The very next piece in the issue seems to have been inspired by a ‘morning after…’ type feeling in one of the magazine contributors:

The Torch, Dec 1929 – Short story ‘Please to Remember’ (part 1)
The Torch, Dec 1929 – Short story ‘Please to Remember’ (part 2)

Skipping a few years, we find that celebrations have moved on and now include a torchlight procession through the village of Cottingham:

Torchlight, 21 Nov 1958 – photograph of students carrying torches

Though a nice idea in principle, the sight of a large group of students boldly parading through the streets seems to have inspired a town and gown type rivalry with the local youth:

Torchlight, 21 Nov 1958 – report ‘Damp squibs during the procession’

But a year on and things seem to have calmed down, with no mention of any such unpleasantness being repeated:

Torchlight, 17 Nov 1959 – ‘Festivities on Fifth of November’

If you’ve enjoyed this brief spotlight on our early student magazines look out for further Hull University Archives posts on the Library blog!

Categories
Hull University Archives University history

Where it all began…

How much do you know about the history of our university? Based on a popular Twitter thread from 2020, this blog post uses records from our very own archives to tell the story of our foundation and early development.

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Still with us? Good, then read on!

Ferens and his £250,000

We start with a man (points if you spot the connection to our University motto)…

Portrait of T.R. Ferens, commissioned by the University shortly after his death

On 2 February 1925, local philanthropist and entrepreneur Thomas Robinson Ferens held a lunch for a group of Hull’s leading civic figures at his home. During the lunch, he announced his intention of providing a financial gift to establish a university in Hull. He confirmed his intention in a letter written the same day to the Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor A.D. Willoughby:

Holderness House
Hull, Feb. 2nd 1925.
My dear Lord Mayor,
The need of provision for higher learning in Hull, has greatly impressed me, and I have taken the opportunity of consulting University Professors and other friends, in regard to the matter, and I have decided to set aside for the purpose of forming a nucleus of a University College for Hull the sum of £250,000.
Very shortly I am going from home for a few weeks and on my return I propose calling together a few local friends interested in education to formulate plans.
With kind regards
I am
Sincerely yours
Thos. R. Ferens

Letter from T.R. Ferens to A.D. Willoughby

With this gift (and much subsequent hard work by many other individuals), a longstanding civic desire to establish a university in the city became a real possibility. Just three years later, on 11 October 1928, the first staff and students arrived on campus and the University College of Hull was born.
Unfortunately, we don’t know if Ferens’ letter to Willoughby still survives. It was around in the 1970s when T.W. Bamford wrote an institutional history of the university, but the author gives no indication in his book as to how he came by the letter.

Surviving evidence

Not to worry, we have plenty of surviving material within the university’s own archives to help us tell the rest of the story. One such item is the first minute book of the university, which records the first ever meeting held to set things in motion.

Minutes of the first meeting of the Organising Board, 1925 [U REG/2/1]

But let’s face it, even though they are incredibly useful, minute books are dry and dull to look at. If you are anything like us, what you really want to see are pictures, lots and lots of pictures. Well, chief among the treasure trove of material that constitutes the university’s archives is an album, stuffed full of fantastic sepia and black and white photographs. This invaluable record dates right back to the first years of the operation of the university in the 1920s and 1930s. So we continue our story…

First photograph album of the University of Hull, 1920s-1950s [U PHO]

The campus site and buildings

In addition to providing £250,000, Ferens purchased three fields, comprising 18.756 acres in total. He donated the land to the Hull Corporation, intending that the Corporation would then grant the land to the Organising Board, which had been appointed to establish a University College in Hull. After some negotiations, and a few issues with the Board of Education, the transfer of land took place in October 1927.

Aerial photograph, c.1927, marked up to show the outline of land to be used to construct a university campus [U PHO]

But by this time construction work had already begun on the Cottingham Road site. The first pile had driven over a month earlier, during a ceremony held on the 24 August 1927 and led by the wife of Arthur Eustace Morgan, who would be the first Principal of the University College of Hull. Eight months later, the foundation stone was laid during a very prestigious ceremony. Those in attendance included the Archbishop of York, the Duchess of York, T.R. Ferens as the first President, the Duke of York (Prince Albert, later George VI), and Principal Morgan. The Duke of York did the honour of laying the foundation stone.

University College of Hull foundation stone laying ceremony, held 28 April 1928 [U PHO]
The Duke of York laying the foundation stone, 28 April 1928 [U PHO]

Only two buildings existed on the campus site when the University College of Hull opened to students on 11 October 1928. The Science Block (now known and the Cohen Building) and the Arts Block (now known as the Venn Building). The two buildings were designed by W.A. Forsyth and Partners in the Neo-Georgian style, and would later be categorized as a group of architectural significance by Historic England and given Grade II listed status.

The Science Building (now known as Cohen) under construction in 1928 [U PHO]
The Arts Building (now known as Venn) following completion in 1928 [U PHO]

Halls of residence

However, two further buildings are of importance to the early history of the university. During their initial planning work, members of the Organising Board took the decision that students enrolled at the University College must be resident, unless living at home or unless there were exceptional circumstances. This policy necessitated the provision of halls of residence for students. Northfields (renamed Needler Hall) and Thwaite Hall, both in Cottingham, were purchased for this purpose in early 1928, there being no time or money to construct purpose built halls.

Needler Hall, c.1929 [U PHO]
Thwaite Hall, c.1929 [U PHO]

Male students were housed in Needler Hall, whilst Thwaite Hall was used to house female students. A warden was appointed to live at each of the halls of residence, and it was the job of these wardens to oversee the running of the buildings and the welfare of the students living there.

Needler Hall dining room, c.1929 [U PHO]
The common room at Thwaite Hall, c.1929 [U PHO]

The first departments and courses

In 1927, upon hearing that the University of Leeds wished to cease law training in Hull, the Yorkshire Board of Legal Studies approached the Organising Board to ask if the University College would take over law training in the city. Grants were secured to appoint a lecturer in Law, and James Louis Montrose took up post on the 1 October 1927. A Legal Studies course started on the 20 October 1927, and was taught in the Law Society Hall and in the city’s Guildhall. This represents the University College’s first functioning department and course.

Guildhall on Lowgate in Hull, 1920s [UDX336/34/4]

Around the same time, the Workers Educational Association approached the Organising Board and asked for the appointment of a tutor so that Adult Education classes could begin as soon as possible. The Organising Board appointed Professor T.H. Searls who took up post on the 1 January 1928.

Workers Educational Association Rally held at on campus, June 1928 [U PHO]

The Department of Adult Education was one of the major successes in the early years of the University College. The department operated extra-mural courses in the local area and across the wider Yorkshire region.

Extra Mural Students’ Rally, 1929 [U PHO]

Campus opens

On the 6 October 1928, administrative staff, who had been operating out of Maritime Buildings in the centre of the city, became the first members of staff to move to the University College site on Cottingham Road.
They were followed on the 11 October 1928 by sixteen members of academic staff (including the Principal who served as a professor of English), two assistant teaching staff members, and around 39 students.

Academic staff and students with Principal Morgan at the centre of the group, 1928 [U PHO]

The group was representative of fourteen academic departments in total, these being Adult Education, Botany, Chemistry, Classics, English, French, Geography, German, History, Law, Mathematics, Philosophy and Psychology, Physics, and Zoology.

Zoology lab, c.1929 [U PHO]
Advanced Physics lab, c.1929 [U PHO]
Zoology lecture theatre, c.1929 [U PHO]
Fisheries lab, c.1929 [U PHO]
Geography room, c.1929 [U PHO]

Official opening

The official opening of the university took place a full year after the first students and staff arrived on campus. Present at the ceremony were Principal Morgan, Thomas R. Ferens, H.R.H. Prince George (later the Duke of Kent), and Benno Pearlman in his role as the Lord Mayor of Hull.

Official Opening of the University College of Hull, 10 October 1929 [U PHO]

Early activities

And so the University of Hull was born. Next followed a period of slow though steady expansion. The University College welcomed further local students from the city of Hull and the wider region.

Staff and students, June 1935 [U PHO]

Noteworthy guests came to speak to the students…

Students, Lt Comm Kenworthy and Mr Arthur Henderson (Foreign Secretary) [U PHO]

Sports teams were formed…

The University College Association Football Team, 1929 [U PHO]

And an active dramatic society was established.

Early members of the Dramatic Society, 1930 [U PHO]

University College Hull was off to a galloping start!

If you’ve enjoyed this, we’ll be exploring more of our past in the future – so keep an eye on the blog!