HISTORY

FARADAY HOUSE 1890 TO 1967

As a result of the initiative of Robert Hammond and Francis Ince, both of whom recognised the need for the training of Electrical Engineers, the Electrical Standardising, Testing and Training Institution was founded on 1st January 1890. Initially the Institution was housed at 10. Adam Street, Adelphi, but a year later it moved to a new building in Charing Cross Road and the training college was given the name of Faraday House.

The founders appreciated the need for students to supplement their theoretical knowledge by serving at a works or at a Central Electricity Supply Station and so pioneered the Sandwich Course. The Chairman of the Board of Control, the Earl of Crawford, chose the motto "Theory and Practice" which appears in Greek under the arms of the College.

The first Principal of the College was Hugh Erat Harrison, and he was followed in 1909 by the famous Dr. Alexander Russel who held the post with distinction for 30 years.

The Faraday House Old Students Association was created in 1905 by the spontaneous desire of old students when the college moved to Southampton Row, and the first FHOSA Dinner was held on 12th May of that year at the Trocadero Restaurant when Sir Joseph Swan was the guest of honour. The Dinner remained a popular event until recently, when the Council felt that luncheons were now more appropriate. The elected President of the year organises two visits in his year of office which he feels will be of interest to members of the Association and their wives.

The College closed in 1967, but during it's lifetime it produced a succession of men who attained the most senior positions in Industry and Electrical Supply in many countries, and six Old Students have been President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.

The IEE has honoured the work of the College by the creation of the Faraday House Commemorative Prize, to be available for annual award by the IEE to the best lecture presentation by a Younger Member during the year.