De Montfort University: 155 Years of Education in the Heart of Leicester
by Dr. Natalie Hayton, Assistant Archivist and Katharine Short, DMU Special Collections Manager
De Montfort University (DMU) began life as a simple idea, ‘to afford authoritative instruction in art to the people of Leicester’. By March 1870, the first classes were held in a former warehouse. Men and women from the gentry were taught during the day, while workers came to evening classes.
Over the years DMU has evolved through many identities – as the Leicester School of Art, the Leicester Municipal Technical and Art Schools, Leicester Polytechnic and more. Yet, throughout these changes, its commitment to being an integral part of Leicester’s vibrant community and providing exceptional services for its students has remained unwavering.
This year, DMU proudly celebrates its 155th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Special Collections is compiling a brief history of the institution. Set to be published later this year, the commemorative and visual piece draws on the rich archive of documents, photographs, and artifacts to tell DMU’s story. Divided into five chapters, below readers can enjoy an exclusive sneak peek at the book, including many previously unpublished images! Read on to find out which element of DMU’s history most resonates with you.
Chapter 1: What’s in a Name: the founding of DMU
De Montfort University has changed its name seventeen times over the course of its history, changes which reflect the upheavals to secondary, further and higher education in Britain in the late-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Each new name reflected alterations to status, prestige and educational offer as the institution developed from a School of Art to the contemporary University we know today.
Chapter 2: Bridging Education and Industry: DMU’s legacy of learning
From its inception, DMU has placed teaching and learning at the heart of its mission, forging a dynamic link between education and industry. While initially the curriculum focused on Fine Art and Design it soon expanded to include technical subjects like Boot and Shoe Manufacture (now Footwear Design) and Pharmacy, two of the university's most prestigious and oldest schools. As student numbers grew, the institution continued to diversify its offerings, ensuring that education remained aligned with the needs of industry. Today, DMU’s commitment to applied learning and research spans a wide range of fields, from fashion, computing and engineering to health, business and law, maintaining its legacy of blending creativity with technical expertise to drive innovation and professional development.
Chapter 3: Campus Life and Community: The DMU Journey
Since 1870, DMU has welcomed students from all backgrounds, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. From local learners to those from international backgrounds, enrolment marked the start of an exciting journey—navigating lectures and accommodation, while accessing an evolving base of professional and welfare services through to graduation. Beyond the classroom, students made their mark through activism, sports, and social life, shaping not just their own futures but also the wider Leicester community and beyond.
Chapter 4: From Medieval Roots to Modern Innovation: The DMU Campus Story
De Montfort University has been linked to the present campus site since 1897, when the Hawthorn Building was constructed on The Newarke, home to historic sites like Leicester Castle and the Church of Annunciation which is now DMU Museum. For several decades, the Hawthorn building was the institution’s sole facility. Over the 20th century, the campus expanded with new buildings and renovations, consistently focusing on state-of-the-art facilities to keep pace with technological advancements and evolving educational needs.
Chapter 5: A Lasting Connection: DMU and Leicester
For generations, DMU and its predecessors have been at the heart of Leicester’s cultural, industrial, and educational development. From its early days, the institution has been shaped by influential local families like the Clephans, Gimsons, and Keenes, who helped drive innovation in both business and the arts. During WWI and WWII, the university’s strong ties to industry played a crucial role in supporting the city’s workforce and economy. Beyond academia, DMU has contributed to Leicester’s rich cultural life, from historic pageants to contemporary events like the Leicester Comedy Festival.
DMU’s 155th anniversary is a moment to reflect on both the university's history and the students and alumni who have shaped its journey. From its first classes in 1870 to the dynamic, diverse community it is today, DMU has remained a place where education meets real-world innovation. While it has evolved over the years, one constant has been its commitment to students. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or in industries worldwide, DMU students have always been central to its mission. Here’s to 155 years of shaping future leaders, creatives, and innovators, and to the alumni who continue to make an impact globally. Happy anniversary, DMU!
Posted on Friday 21 February 2025