Record

Ref NoMS 466/1/1/10/1/8
Finding NumberMS 466/152/13
TitleTypescript of 'Education' by Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury
LevelItem
DateNovember 1909
DescriptionTaylor Cadbury provides an overview of educational institutions in Birmingham 'interested in progressive education'. She refers particularly to the new University of Birmingham under the 'guidance' of its 'far-famed Principal', her friend and colleague Sir Oliver Lodge'. Taylor Cadbury highlights the contemporary emphasis on the child in political legislation and the role of child welfare in the reform of housing, remarking on voluntary work to establish clubs for young people. She suggests 'it may sometimes occur to us to question whether the child of to-day is not too much observed', expressing her concern that being the subject of intense study would cause children to become too self-conscious and self-centred.

Taylor Cadbury refers to the dangers of materialism and an education focussed on obtaining professional positions and wealth. She advocates educating children 'to be good, upright citizens' who would 'take their part worthily in the work of the world and give their contribution to the enrichment of the race'. Taylor Cadbury concludes her address by emphasising the importance of cultivating children's spiritual engagement.
Extent1
FormatItem
Related MaterialInformation about Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury's association with Mothers in Council and the Parents' National Education Union (P.N.E.U.) taken from Richenda Scott, 'Elizabeth Cadbury: 1858-1951 (London: Harrap, 1951), p. 102.
Access StatusOpen
AdminHistoryIn this address Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury describes the origins of the Birmingham Branch of the Parents' National Education Union (P.N.E.U.) which developed from an earlier group established in the city called 'Mothers in Council'. Richenda Scott comments on Taylor Cadbury's involvement with this informal group 'who were concerned with the difficult question of the right and healthy upbringing of their children.' President of the Birmingham Branch of the P.N.E.U. in 1909, Taylor Cadbury was also associated with the Birmingham Branch of the Child Study Association. She delivered this address at the Annual Conference of the Parents' National Education Union which was held in Birmingham in 1909. The theme of the 1909 conference was 'The Relation in Education between the Ideal and Practical.' Taylor Cadbury presided over this conference, delivering an address and inviting delegates to stay at her home, the Manor House in Northfield. Delegates were also given a tour of Bournville during the conference to demonstrate the reforms in industrial working and living conditions which had been implemented in the village. The Conference featured a number of evening talks, including a lecture delivered by the Principal of the University of Birmingham, Sir Oliver Lodge (1851-1940), entitled 'Parents and Children'.
LanguageEnglish
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