Portrait of George Birkbeck

George Birkbeck was the founder of London University. He also played an important part in establishing the Mechanics Institutes during the 19th century. These aimed to bring further education to the working classes. The first one was the London Mechanics Institute founded in 1824 with Birkbeck as its president. This Institute is now known as Birkbeck College, part of the University of London. George Birkbeck was funded to teach in Hull in 1805 by the Hull Subscription Library. This portrait was painted during his stay in Hull.