The foundation of the Yorkshire College of Science was first mooted in 1869. However progress in obtaining money was slow and help was sought from The Clothworkers' Company, which was then actively seeking to support technical education.
On 8th May 1874 a conference of 'Yorkshire Mayors and Chairmen of Commerce' was held at Clothworkers' Hall in the City of London. It was addressed by Obadiah Nussey, a prominent mill owner and former Mayor of Leeds, He said that it was essential to establish schools like those in Germany, France and Belgium for 'practical trade instruction' connected with the manufacture of textile fabrics in Britain.
As a result The Clothworkers' Company sponsored the establishment of a Department of Textile Industries at the Yorkshire College in Leeds, followed in 1885 by a Department of Dyeing and Tinctorial Chemistry.
The College became The University of Leeds in 1904 and the Company remains proudly associated with its two "Clothworkers' Departments", now known as the School of Design and the Department of Colour and Polymer Chemistry.
Over the years, the Company has also given support to building projects, including halls of residence , the Textile Link Building and the Clothworkers' Centenary Concert Hall. An Innovation Development Fund has recently been introduced, jointly funded by the Company and the University to help academic staff meet the cost of filing patents, proof of concept work and market assessments. We also fund postgraduate bursaries in technical textiles and colour science, awarded by the University.
The Company's special relationship with The University of Leeds is reflected in its representation on the University Council. Senior members of the Company make an annual visit to Leeds and receive annual reports from the two Clothworker departments.