Former Mechanics Institute, Avenham Lane, Preston, Lancashire
This building has had many names over the years. It was built as a Mechanics Institute in 1846-9, by John Welch. It has also been 'The Preston Institution for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge', the 'Technical College', the 'Art School' and others. The Institution itself was founded in 1828. It was moved to this site from original premises in Cannon Street, despite protests of some founder members that it would no longer serve the working classes for whom it was intended.
