| Activity | The College for Distributive Trades was a technical training college in London. It was founded as the Westminster Day Continuation School in 1921. In 1923 it began devising courses in technical subjects. In the 1930s it was known as the Technical Institute of Distributive Trades. At some time it fell into London County Council's jurisdiction. Around 1950 it was renamed possibly the Westminster College of Distributive trades and later as the College of Distributive Trades. From 1939-1960s the College's main building was located at 107 Charing Cross Road, W.C.2, with some of its other departments including the department of Food Commodities at Eagle Court, Smithfield, E.C.1 and its offices at Westminster Bridge. The college had a gymnasium, assembly hall, both shared with St Martin's School of Art with whom it shared the building. The college also had its own library and restaurants as well as bookstalls, a platform gallery and a project room for cinema. This was a custom-built building, designed and paid for by London County Council. The building was officially opened on 3 May 1939.
The College was governed by a board of Governors many of whom were members of related trade unions and industries and had its own Principal. In 1961-1962 the College of Distributive Trades Principal was T Hamar Jones.
During the 1970s the College had classses at Briset House, 6-9 Briset Street, London, EC1M.
In 1986 it became part of the newly formed London Institute. In 1990 it was merged with the London College of Printing [LCP] to form the London College of Printing and Distributive Trades. Before merging with LCP it was based at 30 Leicester Square and had departments in Display, Food Commodities, Management, Marketing and Advertising and Merchandising. |