The Institute
The South Wales Institute of Engineers was founded in 1857, having as its main purpose “The encouragement and advancement of engineering science”, and in 1881 the Institute was granted a Royal Charter. These objectives still hold true today. However, in 1997 the Institute, with the co-operation of the Charity Commission modernizes its constitution as follows:-
“The Institute shall exist to promote the study of and encourage research into engineering science and the good practice thereof, including the effects of engineering on the environment, and shall encourage the exchange of information and ideas amongst its members and publish the results of this experience and research.”
The wide nature of these powers enables the Institute to pursue a strategy whereby members could contribute to the improvement and development of engineering science, the promotion of high standards of practice and importantly, the development of engineering.
The South Wales Institute of Engineering was the second regional engineering body established in Britain after the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (NEIMME), commonly known as The Mining Institute, founded in 1852 in Newcastle upon Tyne.
View of Dowlais Ironworks 1840. George Childs (1798 – 1875). National Museum of Wales.