Birthday Mechanics
Michael Leech celebrates the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
One hundred and fifty years ago this month a group of engineers working on the new railway at Lickey Incline near Birmingham sought shelter from the rain. While the builders of the rail system that would revolutionise transport and travel around the world were huddled under a rock, an idea was mooted: surely they, as mechanical engineers, the creators of the actual engines, were different from civil engineers currently engaged on laying track?
The proposal for distinguishing a separate profession appealed strongly and plans were quickly laid alongside those early rails for an organisation dedicated to developing the independent interests of the mechanics, and to informing and educating the public.
The formal creation of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers took place on January 27th, 1847, when the new organisation was born and premises were set up at Birmingham's Curzon Street Station.
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