In 1887, following the report of the Royal Commission on Technical Education, Anderson’s College merged with four other educational institutions in Glasgow (Allan Glen’s Institution, the Young Chair of Technical Chemistry, Atkinson’s Institution and the College of Science and Arts, itself originally formed as the result of a breakaway of the mechanics’ class from Anderson’s Institution) to become the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College or ‘The Tech’ as it was affectionately known. The College initially occupied the existing buildings of its constituent institutions.

Although the new institution had lost its founder’s name, it still remained true to John Anderson’s vision of ‘a place of useful learning’. It offered a wide range of day and evening courses to support the needs of industry in the West of Scotland. Students studied for certificates and diplomas in all branches of engineering (civil, mechanical, naval, electrical, chemical, metallurgy and mining), together with chemistry, natural philosophy, mathematics, pharmacy, agriculture, architecture, art and design and music. The Associateship of the College, which was introduced in 1889, was a highly respected, degree equivalent qualification.

The calendar was an annual publication listing the College staff and regulations and giving details of all the classes on offer.

Archives reference: OE 10/1/1 Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College calendars