The University of Westminster was founded as Britain's first polytechnic in 1838. Our long history includes several name changes, including Royal Polytechnic Institution, Polytechnic Young Men's Christian Institute, Regent Street Polytechnic and Polytechnic of Central London. As the University of Westminster we continue to be a diverse, vibrant and inspirational learning environment in the heart of central London. The University's collection of oil paintings feature some of the key figures who have been prominent in the institution's governance, including first President Quintin Hogg (1845–1903); first President of the Polytechnic Young Women's Institute Alice Hogg (1846–1918); Secretary and Clerk to the Governors Leonard Harris (1861–1942); Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Terence Burlin and Vice-Chancellor Geoffrey Copland.