Topics > Museums, Archives, Galleries and Collections > Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne
Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne
"The Society was founded early in 1793 as a ‘conversation club’, with an annual subscription of one guinea. The subjects of the conversations - and the books that supported them - were wide-ranging, but religion and politics were prohibited. From its outset, the Society had an enterprising, inquisitive and liberal nature: the first women members were admitted by 1804, various ground breaking demonstrations of new technology took place, such as George Stephenson’s miners’ safety lamp in 1815. In 1820, The Newcastle upon Tyne Society for the gradual abolition of Slavery in the British Dominions was established at a meeting held in the Society’s rooms. The society’s lecture theatre was the first public room to be lit by electric light, during a lecture by Sir Joseph Swan on October 20th 1880...." (The Lit & Phil)
The Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne (or the Lit & Phil as it is popularly known) is a historical library in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and the largest independent library outside London. The library is still available for both lending (to members) and as a free reference library.
Founding
Founded in 1793 as a "conversation club" by the Reverend William Turner and others – more than fifty years before the London Library – the annual subscription was originally one guinea. The Lit and Phil library contained works in French, Spanish, German and Latin; its contacts were international, and its members debated a wide range of issues, but religion and politics were prohibited. Women were first admitted to the library in 1804.
In February 2011, actor and comedian Alexander Armstrong became President of the Lit & Phil. He launched their funding appeal at a special gala event.
At the start of 2012, membership of the Library reached 2,000, the highest number since 1952.
History
During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Lit & Phil was host to a long list of the intelligentsia of the era. Engineer and inventor George Stephenson showed his miner's lamp there, and in 1879, when Joseph Swan demonstrated his electric light bulbs, the Lit and Phil building became the first public building to be so illuminated.
The Society received in 1800 the country's first specimens of the wombat and the duck-billed platypus from John Hunter, Governor of New South Wales and honorary member of the Lit and Phil.
Between 1822 and 1825, a new building was created for the Society on Westgate Road, designed by John Green. The building is still in use today, with many original features including iron-work second-floor galleries.
Text from Wikipedia, available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License (accessed: 16/04/2016).
Visit the page: Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne for references and further details. You can contribute to this article on Wikipedia.
Visit the page: Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne for references and further details. You can contribute to this article on Wikipedia.
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
070584: Literary & Philosophical Society Library (Lit & Phil) Westage Road, Newcastle
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
048617:The Literary and Philosophical Society Library, 1987
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
048612:The Literary and Philosophical Society Library, 1987
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
048609:The Literary and Philosophical Society Library, 1987
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
048605:The Literary and Philosophical Society Library, 1987
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
002057:Sir John Edward Swinburne Bart. Capheaton Meisenbach Undated
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
Co-Curate Page
Joseph Swan (1828 -1914)
- Overview About Joseph Swan Joseph Swan was born in Bishopwearmouth on 31st October 1828. He was a physicist, chemist and inventor. He became a partner in Mawson, Swan and Morgan …
Co-Curate Page
George Stephenson (1781 - 1848)
- Overview Detailed Information George Stephenson was a famous engineer and inventor, considered to be "father of the railways". He was born in Wylam in Northumberland on 9th June 1781. In 1814, Stephenson …
Co-Curate Page
Robert Stephenson (1803-1859)
- Overview Detailed Information Robert Stephenson was considered to be one of the greatest engineer of the 19th century. He was born in Willington Quay on 16th October 1803, son to …
Co-Curate Page
Thomas Bewick (1753-1828)
- Overview About Thomas Bewick Thomas Bewick (1753-1828). Bewick, the acclaimed wood engraver, artist and naturalist, was born in August 1753 at Cherryburn House, a small farm in the parish of …
Co-Curate Page
Lord William Armstrong (1810-1900)
- Overview About William Armstrong William George Armstrong was born on 26th November 1810, in Shieldfield, Newcastle. He became a prominent engineer and industrialist who founded the Armstrong Whitworth company, producing armaments which …
Co-Curate Page
John Dobson (1787 - 1865)
- Overview About John Dobson Buildings by John Dobson John Dobson was a 19th centaury architect in the North of England. He had a prolific career, designing over 50 churches and …
Co-Curate Page
Richard Grainger (1797–1861)
- Overview About Richard Grainger Richard Grainger (1797–1861) was a builder in Newcastle upon Tyne. He worked together with the architects John Dobson and Thomas Oliver, and with the town clerk, …
Co-Curate Page
Charles, 2nd Earl Grey (1764-1845)
- Overview About Charles Grey Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey was descended from a long-established Northumbrian family seated at Howick Hall. Aged just 22 Grey was elected to Parliament for the …
from Flickr (flickr)
The New Building of the Literary and Philosophical Society (1836).
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
Co-Curate Page
North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers
- Overview About the Institute Notable Members The North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (NEIMME) was founded in 1852 and its first chairman was Nicholas Wood. The Mining …
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 223 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 279 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 101 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 147 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 141 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 287 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 305 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 385 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 161 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 389 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 397 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 95 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 353 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 215 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 311 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 173 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 135 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 401 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 339 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 8 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 113 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 125 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
002065:Reverend William Turner Newcastle upon Tyne Collard W.
Pinned by Peter Smith
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
001959:John Bruce Newcastle upon Tyne Collard W.
Pinned by Pat Thomson
from https://artuk.org/discover/ar…
James Losh (1763–1833) - Statue
- Marble statue (1836) of James Losh by John Graham Lough (1798–1876) located in the Literary & Philosophical Society of Newcastle. Further pictures of the statue at Art UK. Photo credit: …
Added by
Simon Cotterill
Co-Curate Page
Armorer Donkin (1779-1851)
- Armorer Donkin (1779 - 1851) was a wealthy landowner, solicitor and businessman - he was one of Newcastle's leading solicitors. He was a member of the Donkin family of Great …
Co-Curate Page
The Lit & Phil, 23 Westgate Road
- Overview Map Street View Inside Number 23 Westgate Road is the home of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne. The 'Lit & Phil' building was constructed from 1822 …
Co-Curate Page
Bolbec Hall
- Overview Map Street View Bolbec Hall is located on Westgate Road in Newcastle. It was built in 1907 by F.W. Rich, originally to serve as additional offices for the Literary …
Co-Curate Page
Robert Richardson Dees (1814 - 1908)
- Robert Richardson Dees was born in Westgate, Newcastle on 19th September 1814, the eldest child of a family of ten. He trained as a solicitor in London before establishing his …
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
070584: Literary & Philosophical Society Library (Lit & Phil) Westage Road, Newcastle
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
048617:The Literary and Philosophical Society Library, 1987
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
048612:The Literary and Philosophical Society Library, 1987
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
048609:The Literary and Philosophical Society Library, 1987
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
048605:The Literary and Philosophical Society Library, 1987
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
002057:Sir John Edward Swinburne Bart. Capheaton Meisenbach Undated
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
Co-Curate Page
Joseph Swan (1828 -1914)
- Overview About Joseph Swan Joseph Swan was born in Bishopwearmouth on 31st October 1828. He was a physicist, chemist and inventor. He became a partner in Mawson, Swan and Morgan …
Co-Curate Page
George Stephenson (1781 - 1848)
- Overview Detailed Information George Stephenson was a famous engineer and inventor, considered to be "father of the railways". He was born in Wylam in Northumberland on 9th June 1781. In 1814, Stephenson …
Co-Curate Page
Robert Stephenson (1803-1859)
- Overview Detailed Information Robert Stephenson was considered to be one of the greatest engineer of the 19th century. He was born in Willington Quay on 16th October 1803, son to …
Co-Curate Page
Thomas Bewick (1753-1828)
- Overview About Thomas Bewick Thomas Bewick (1753-1828). Bewick, the acclaimed wood engraver, artist and naturalist, was born in August 1753 at Cherryburn House, a small farm in the parish of …
Co-Curate Page
Lord William Armstrong (1810-1900)
- Overview About William Armstrong William George Armstrong was born on 26th November 1810, in Shieldfield, Newcastle. He became a prominent engineer and industrialist who founded the Armstrong Whitworth company, producing armaments which …
Co-Curate Page
John Dobson (1787 - 1865)
- Overview About John Dobson Buildings by John Dobson John Dobson was a 19th centaury architect in the North of England. He had a prolific career, designing over 50 churches and …
Co-Curate Page
Richard Grainger (1797–1861)
- Overview About Richard Grainger Richard Grainger (1797–1861) was a builder in Newcastle upon Tyne. He worked together with the architects John Dobson and Thomas Oliver, and with the town clerk, …
Co-Curate Page
Charles, 2nd Earl Grey (1764-1845)
- Overview About Charles Grey Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey was descended from a long-established Northumbrian family seated at Howick Hall. Aged just 22 Grey was elected to Parliament for the …
from Flickr (flickr)
The New Building of the Literary and Philosophical Society (1836).
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
Co-Curate Page
North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers
- Overview About the Institute Notable Members The North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (NEIMME) was founded in 1852 and its first chairman was Nicholas Wood. The Mining …
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 223 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 279 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 101 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 147 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 141 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 287 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 305 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 385 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 161 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 389 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 397 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 95 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 353 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 215 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 311 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 173 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 135 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 401 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 339 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 8 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 113 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Flickr (flickr)
Image taken from page 125 of 'The History of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1793-1896 ... With ... illustrations'
Pinned by Simon Cotterill
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
002065:Reverend William Turner Newcastle upon Tyne Collard W.
Pinned by Peter Smith
from Newcastle libraries (flickr)
001959:John Bruce Newcastle upon Tyne Collard W.
Pinned by Pat Thomson
from https://artuk.org/discover/ar…
James Losh (1763–1833) - Statue
- Marble statue (1836) of James Losh by John Graham Lough (1798–1876) located in the Literary & Philosophical Society of Newcastle. Further pictures of the statue at Art UK. Photo credit: …
Added by
Simon Cotterill
Co-Curate Page
Armorer Donkin (1779-1851)
- Armorer Donkin (1779 - 1851) was a wealthy landowner, solicitor and businessman - he was one of Newcastle's leading solicitors. He was a member of the Donkin family of Great …
Co-Curate Page
The Lit & Phil, 23 Westgate Road
- Overview Map Street View Inside Number 23 Westgate Road is the home of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne. The 'Lit & Phil' building was constructed from 1822 …
Co-Curate Page
Bolbec Hall
- Overview Map Street View Bolbec Hall is located on Westgate Road in Newcastle. It was built in 1907 by F.W. Rich, originally to serve as additional offices for the Literary …
