Address: 12 Clifford St, York, YO1 9RD (now Kuda)
Description
“York Instiute Founded AD 1828” carved in stone above an elaborately carved doorway.
Across the building other stone inscriptions include “Art” and “Science”, all in block capitals and decorated with flowers and vines.
History
Originally built as a Technical College in 1883-85 for The York Institute of Science, Art, and Literature, this building underwent several transformations over the years.
It was erected by WG Penty and featured a reset marble foundation stone, laid by the Prince of Wales on July 18th, 1883.
In 1885, a new building was opened in Clifford Street, costing over £8,000. By 1891, following the passing of the Technical Instruction Act, the Corporation Library Committee took over the building and furniture for around £4,000.
The Institute was then repurposed as a technical school, where the Corporation leased several classrooms.
1906 Source: Explore York Images. Asset ID: 1003794
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the building served as a technical school and art school, with hundreds of students enrolled in various courses.
It continued as a technical college for much of the 1900s, but by 1978, it ceased to function as such.
1978 Source: York Press
In the 1900s, the building saw various tenants, including turf accountants (betting shops) and lawyers. In the late 1930s, it housed a credit company office, and later, John King solicitors occupied the space.
Got thoughts or a story to share about this iconic sign? We’re all ears—drop your comments below and join the conversation!