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Scarce ‘Polytechnic Committee’ badge from the London 1908 Olympics. Bronze, 18 gm, 38 mm x 57 mm. The shield-shaped badge depicts the head of Athena facing a laurel branch and encircled by a red enameled border with the text, "Olympic Games Polytechnic Committee, 1908." The reverse is stamped “Olympic Games, London,” and bears a Vaughton of Birmingham maker's mark. An elusive and handsome badge from an Olympic Games that extended for over six months—the longest in modern history.
The Polytechnic Committee played a key role in organizing the 1908 London Olympics and was largely driven by efforts from Robert Mitchell, the Director of Education at Regent Street Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster). This committee handled significant responsibilities, including orchestrating both the opening and closing ceremonies, in addition to showcasing displays by Polytechnic sports clubs, organizing parades, and hosting various social events and matches.
