News Archive

New Palmer Building relaunch keeps it in the family – University of Reading

Mr William Palmer, member of one of Reading's most famous families and long-time member of the University Council will open the newly refurbished central campus building that bears the family name on Thursday 4th December at 6.15pm. The Palmer family, co-founders of the town's famed biscuit-making company, have had associations with the University since its beginnings in 1892 and have been supporting education in Reading since the middle of the 19th century. The Palmer Building, in the centre of the campus, has been completely modernised and is now equipped with two 24-hour computer laboratories, greatly improved acoustics and an espresso coffee bar, the Dol che Vita, with laptop internet connections. The building is known in Reading as the home of the Reading Film Theatre and venue for the University's Public lecture series. It was built in 1968 and housed lecture rooms, the theatre and administrative offices. Mr Palmer, who was a Director of Huntley & Palmers until 1983, was a member of the University Council for 19 years, Treasurer from 1982 until 1995 and Vice-President from then until 1998. After the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Privy Council under Prince Albert's guidance decided to finance classes for residents in various provincial towns, including Reading. Huntley and Palmers biscuit-makers, who came into being in London Street in 1841, became involved with Reading's Schools of Science and Art almost from their establishment in 1860. When the Schools were joined to the Reading University Extension College in 1892, the support of the Palmers continued and has done so without a break. For press enquiries, please contact Craig Hillsley, Press Officer or Sue Rayner, University of Reading. Tel: 0118 378 8005 E-mail: c.hillsley@reading.ac.uk