Today, we mark Founder’s Day to celebrate the founding of the Sir Josiah Mason
Trust on 29 July 1868.
The original Trust logo featured a mermaid with a comb in one hand and a mirror in
the other. Beneath was the motto 'Do Deeds of Love'. The mermaid figure was a prominent theme throughout Josiah’s life, personally and professionally. She featured on the Mason family coat of arms, along with a two- headed lion. The same mermaid and two-headed lion can still be found on the University of Birmingham crest.
The university’s predecessor, Mason Science College, was founded by Josiah in
1875. It became Mason University College in 1898.
Although the Mason Science College building was demolished in 1962, Josiah’s
legacy lives on through the mermaid, which has become an intrinsic symbol of the
university and an enduring reminder of its origins.
You can find representations throughout the university. These include a panel in the
magnificent stained-glass window in the Great Hall, the Mermaid Fountain which is
situated in the central courtyard of the Guild of Students, and a carved stone relief on
the wall of the Guild of Students. The covered walkway next to the Law Building
houses carved stone shields that were originally installed at Mason Science College.
The same mermaid depiction was used on the orphanage school badge, and a
variation can still be found on Alexandra Court in Olton and on the Yenton Primary
School badge which stands on the grounds of the demolished orphanage.
Yenton School was originally part of the orphanage, teaching girls household and
domestic duties. Traces of the orphanage form parts of the school’s perimeter wall.
There is no concrete evidence explaining why Josiah chose a mermaid as his
recurring symbol. However, there are stories that suggest he may have been
inspired by a toy sold by his uncle, a stained-glass window in a local church, or a
depiction of a mermaid in a pub.
Sir Josiah Mason’s legacy lives on
Sir Josiah Mason’s rags-to-riches story and his rise to become one of Victorian
Birmingham’s leading benefactors continues to inspire us today. We continue to
provide much needed and loved Almshouses to over 220 older people. His vision of
helping young people was one of the reasons we launched our Shine service in
2022.
Shine has been created to help some of the most disadvantaged young people have
a brighter future. Through the service, those aged 16 to 25 who are care
experienced or care leavers can access support and education. Volunteer Shine
Supporters help them take control their futures by developing skills, knowledge, and
confidence.
The programme is based on ‘the 3Rs’ which are:
Recognise an individual’s strengths, feelings, choices, needs and realities
Reassure young people through consistent and stable relationships,
celebrate achievements and be available if things don’t go to plan
Redefine circumstances and mindsets to sustain successful behaviours for
adult life
You can find out more about Shine here: https://www.sjmt.org.uk/shine
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