1870s and 1880s: The search for a permanent home for the Institution

In 1871 Council formed a committee to investigate building an entirely new premises in Birmingham, with enough room to hold all the Institution’s meetings.

In 1876 the membership (excluding Council members and overseas members) was balloted to vote on the location of a new headquarters. Of 574 ballots returned 552 voted for London and by July 1877 the Institution had moved to London.

The Institution’s first London base was rented premises at 10 Victoria Chambers.