The Sydney Smith Association visits New College

On Saturday 23 September, New College welcomed members of the Sydney Smith Association to view a display from our archives relating to one of our more colourful fellows, Sydney Smith (1771-1845).

Sydney Smith was a socialite and social reformer who campaigned for causes such as the treatment of mental illness, child labour (young boys being used as chimney sweeps), an early form of legal aid, the treatment of women, and parliamentary reform.

Curated by our Archivist and Records Manager, Michael Stansfield, the display included letters from Smith, documents relating to his time as a student and Fellow, and images of Smith and New College. In addition, earlier that morning, the Association gathered in the Warden’s lodgings to view a portrait of Smith which hangs on the wall. In the afternoon, College members were able to view the archive display in the Conduit Room.