Working Lads’ Institute, Whitechapel (Phase II)

THE WORKING LADS’ INSTITUTE - The Committee of the new Working Lads’ Institute, Whitechapel, have instructed their architect, Mr. George Baines, to prepare plans for the second section, consisting of a large swimming-bath and gymnasium and lecture hall for 550 persons. About fifty unemployed workmen have recently been engaged in the excavations for the swimming - bath, £400 having been voted from the Mansion House Relief Fund for this purpose. [Builder 10 April 1886 page 561]

WHITECHAPEL - The hall of the Working Lads' Institute, which was formally opened on Saturday last by the Princess Christian, attended by the Lord Mayor in state, has all its windows filled with rich stained glass from the studios of Messrs. A. O. Hemming and Co., of 47, Margaret Street, W. There are three large windows at the end of the hall, each containing a single figure rather more than life-size, illustrating Religion, Art, and Industry. Religion, in the centre, is represented by a figure of Faith; Art by a mason sculptor engaged on his carving; and Industry by a blacksmith at work at his forge. The smaller windows round the hall illustrate the working lad as occupied in Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter; and at his summer and winter recreations, such as boating, cricket, skating, &c. The Institute was established in 1876, and the present is the second wing, built, like the main building, from plans by Mr. George Baines. The rooms include classrooms, reading-room and library, a gymnasium, workshop, refreshment-room, two dormitories, a swimming-bath, and the lecture-hall opened on Saturday, which seats 600 persons. The total cost of the freehold land, building, and furnishing has been £17,000. [Building News 1888 27 April 1888 page 598]

Mostly demolished. See separate entry for alteration works by Baines and Son at rear