Soirée at the Liverpool Mechanic’s Institution, on Monday Last,— Mr. Dickens’s Address. Source: Illustrated London News 4 (2 March 1844): 135. Click on image to enlarge it.
The Illustrated London News article with Dickens’s Speech
The Christmas soirée, at this institution, having been postponed, in order to suit the convenience of Mr. Charles Dickens who had promised to preside on the occasion, the event, which was looked forward to by many with*feelings of anticipated delight, came off on Monday evening last. Long before the hour appointed for the opening of the doors, the street was crowded with persons anxious to obtain admission; but, from the excellence of the arrangements, however, after the first rush was over, not the slightest inconvenience was experienced. The organ has been newly painted a deep blue colour, and beautifully relieved with gold—giving a complete finish to that part of the theatre. Stubbs’ band was placed in the hall during the entrance, and in the Museum afterwards, and played many lively airs. The company was very numerous — there being, probably, nearly 2000 persons present, including many of the Mite of our townsmen who patronize the institution, and bevies of elegantly-dressed ladies.
Shortly after seven o’elock Mr. Dickens entered the theatre, with several gentlemen, supporters of the institution; and, amidst great applause, addressed the meeting. He alluded to the spirit with which the institution had been carried on, tracing its rise and progress as follows:—
I find that in 1825, certain misguided and turbulent persons proposed to erect in Liverpool an unpopular, dangerous, irreligious, ana revolutionary establishment, called a Mechanics’ Institution—(cheers); that in 1885, Liverpool having, somehow or other, got on pretty comfortably, in the meantime, in spite of it, the first stone of a new and spacious edifice was laid; that in 1837 it was opened; that it was afterwards, at different periods, considerably enlarged; that in 1844, conspicuous amongst the public beauties or a beautiful town, here it stands triumphant, its enemies lived down; its former students atterting, in their various useful callings and pursuits, the sound practical information it afforded them; its members numbering considerably more than 3000, and setting in rapidly for 10,000 at least; its library comprehending 11,000 volumes, and daily sending forth its hundreds of books into private houses; its staff of masters and officers, amounting to half a hundred in themselves; its schools, conveying every sort of instruction, high and low, adapted to the labour, means, exigencies, and convenience of nearly every class and grade of persons. I was here this morning, and in its spacious halls I fouud stores of the wonders worked by nature, in the air, in the forest, in the cavern, and in the sea—stores of the surpassing engines devised by science for the better knowledge of other worlds and the greater happiness of this—stores of those gentler works of art, which, though achieved in perishable stone, by yet more perishable hands of dust, are in their influence immortal. With such means at their command, so well directed, so cheaply shared, and so extensively diffused, well may your committee say, as they have done in one of their reports, that the success of this establishment has far exceeded their most sanguine expectations.
Mr. Dickens then called the attention of the meeting more particularly to the establishment of the girls’ school, commending greatly the object of the committee. It was a new and striking chapter in the history of education, and one that would be the means of producing great good. It disposed him to say with the immortal Burns—
Her ’prentice ban’ she tried on man,
And then she made the lasses, O!
He then appealed to those within its walls to continue their support and to those without to become members; and, after recounting the benefits of such institutions, concluded by quoting from the works of a celebrated poet—
Howe’er they be, it seems to me
Tis only noble to be good;
True hearts are more than coronets,
And simple faith than Norman blood.
Mr. Ryalls then sang one of his favourite songs, which was followed by Miss Christiana Weller’s performances on the pianoforte, which elicited tremendous applause. The introduction of this lady to the company, and of Mr. Weller to the author of the “Pickwick Papers,” caused considerable merriment.
The company were then addressed by Mr. John Smith, and after some excellent singing by Mr. J. Russell, Miss Whitnall, and Mr. H. Wilkin, the company adjourned to the class-rooms and other apartments in the upper story, where confectionery and fruit were served up. The sculpture and picture galleries were thrown open, and in the latter were six large cartoons of scenes from the works of Mr. Dickens, including one from his late excellent work, “The Christmas Carol” After partaking of refreshment, the company promenaded the suite of rooms for about three-quarters of an hour, and again took their seats in the lecture-hall.
Dr. Thorburne then addressed the audience; and Mr. W. B. Hodgson, the secretary, in an eloquent speech, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Dickens, which was earned with enthusiasm; Mr. Hodgson stating that the committee, at their next annual meeting, would propose that the name of Mr. Dickens should be inscribed on their roll of honorary members, and that he should receive the silver medal which entitled him to all privileges. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. Dickens then returned thanks, and took leave by quoting himself, in the words of Tiny Tim, “God bless us, every one.” A large number of the company then repaired to the picture gallery, where dancing was carried on, for a short time, with great spirit. Tne majority of the company, however, retired at half-past ten. Thus ended this most enthusiastic, varied, and brilliant meeting.
Our illustrations represent the distinguished chairman addressing the company in the theatre of the institution. The second engraving shows the Sculpture Gallery of the establishment, with a few of the drawing-class copying some of the fine specimens of antique art with which this apartment is enriched.
Links to Related Material
- The Sculpture Gallery and Drawing-School, Liverpool Mechanic’s Institution
- Liverpool’s Schools and Educational Institutions
- Liverpool’s Cultural Institutions
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Bibliography
“Soirée at the Liverpool Mechanic’s Institution.” Illustrated London News. 4 (2 March 1844): 135-36. HathiTrust online version of a copy in the University of Michigan Library. Web. 25 September 2022.
Created 25 September 2022