12/03/2026
Historic Lent Bumps Campaign for WCBC
In March this year, the Lee Library held a one-day in-person exhibition of papers, photos, plans, and video to mark the 60th anniversary of the College, assembled by our College Archivist, Jude Brimmer. Founded initially as University College in 1965, a graduate college with a progressive vision, we were the first Oxbridge College to welcome both men and women as students and Fellows from our inception. The exhibition materials have been converted into an online exhibition, making them accessible to anyone interested in Wolfson's story.
Laura Jeffrey, the College Librarian, said, "The in-person exhibition was hugely popular with visitors and College staff alike, so I am thrilled that we can share these items with an even broader range of Wolfson members online."
The online exhibition includes a wide selection of material such as our early administrative papers, which introduce some of the College founders, including first President John Morrison, Bursar Jack King, principal architect Michael Mennim, and the first College Secretary Ruth Webb, alongside the Trustees who guided the College through its formative decade. You can also hear from some of the key figures who were present during the College's early years, captured in interviews with Dr William Kirkman, Wolfson's Vice President in the 1980s.
Laura added, "The anniversary has given us the opportunity to reflect on the individuals that shaped the College ethos and made a vision a reality. Jude has done a brilliant job of bringing together disparate items in the Archive to tell this story but what we have is, by no means, comprehensive. We look forward to hearing from former members who may have items that can help plug some of the gaps that remain in the history of Wolfson College."
Our College Archivist, Jude, said, "We've been fortunate to inherit such a wealth of material from the College's early years, and it was a pleasure to welcome so many visitors to see some of it in situ here in the Lee Library. The task of excavating the archive is ongoing and we hope to have other opportunities in the future to share more of what's being unearthed!"
Contributing to the Archive
The Archive is always on the lookout for more material from the early years at Wolfson or University College, particularly relating to events and life in College. If you would be willing to donate any of the following, we would be delighted to hear from you:
- posters, programmes, photos, flyers, tickets, adverts, press cuttings, reviews, menus, and any other promotional materials
- May Balls, Amalgamated Clubs (later WCSA), drama productions, music performances, sports clubs and societies, and any other College events.
If you are interested in contributing, please get in touch at archivist@wolfson.cam.ac.uk.
