Technical School and Mechanics' Institute (1883–1896) ===
A merger took place with the town’s Female Educational Institute in 1883, and the institution become the Technical School and Mechanics' Institute. A new building was constructed on what it today the ring road called Queensgate that cost £20,000, and was funded by the subscriptions of members and philanthropic supporters. Called the Ramsden Building, after the Ramsden family who owned the land upon which the building stood, the building is still in use by the Health and Human Sciences Department of the university today. Before the building opened to students in 1884, it was used for a five-month Fine Art and Industrial Exhibition. These kinds of exhibitions, inspired by the Great Exhibition, showcased the latest in textile technology alongside copies of great masters paintings or more contemporary works.
=== Technical College and College of Technology (1896–1970) ===
In 1896, the Technical School and Mechanics' Institute became the Technical College, which changed its name in 1958 to become the College of Technology.
World War I was a time of growth for the College. A Coal Tar Chemistry Department was created, funded by the government and by donations which were also used to provide research scholarships in Chemistry. More than 100 chemists worked at the College as research staff as products were created for British Dyes Ltd.
During World War II, the College housed student teachers evacuated from Avery Hill College of Education, Eltham, London (now part of the University of Greenwich), and trained members of the armed forces training to be radio mechanics, engineers, fitters and clerks. Civilians also trained at the College in more basic workshop skills. Music could also be studied at the College. Winifred Smith was appointed organist and music lecturer in 1955. Composer Harold Truscott was there at much the same time.
One notable visitor to the college in 1964 was Dusty Springfield, who appeared at 'Sound Sixty-Four', an event organised by the Huddersfield …
