Mortarboard Collection

Dante in Oxford; Proctor: Your Name And College?, 1904. Artist: Max Beerbohm
Dante in Oxford; Proctor: Your Name And College?, 1904. Illustration from The Poets Corner, by Max Beerbohm, (London, 1904)

Vice Chancellor, Esquire Beadle, Yeoman Beadle, Verger, engraved by J
778193 Vice Chancellor, Esquire Beadle, Yeoman Beadle, Verger, engraved by J. Agar, published in R. Ackermanns History of Oxford, 1813 (hand-coloured engraving) by Uwins

Athletic sports by the Westminster scholars in their playground:...the hurdle race, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Athletic sports by the Westminster scholars in their playground, Vincent-square, [London]: the hurdle race, 1864. 'The public exhibition of these performances...proved sufficiently interesting to

; A Columbia (Pensylvanie) le 10 mai: la harangue a nos... 1917. Creator: Unknown
; A Columbia (Pensylvanie) le 10 mai: la harangue a nos representants du Dr Nicholas Murray Butler, president de l'Universite, 1917

The Western College for Women class of 1904, Oxford, Ohio, 1904. Creator: Unknown
The Western College for Women class of 1904, Oxford, Ohio, 1904

Ochs, Miss, portrait photograph, 1913. Creator: Arnold Genthe
Ochs, Miss, portrait photograph, 1913

Mr. J.S. Phillpotts. M.A. B.C.L. Headmaster Bedford Grammar School, 1891. Creator: Unknown
Mr. J.S. Phillpotts. M.A. B.C.L. Headmaster Bedford Grammar School, 1891. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper", Volume 44. July to December, 1891

Lady of Letters, San Diego, 1938. Creator: Unknown
Lady of Letters, San Diego, 1938. Savoy [Theatre]...Up to the Minute Collegiate Comedy - Lady of Letters'. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S

Class of 29, Des Moines, IA, 1937. Creator: Unknown
Class of 29, Des Moines, IA, 1937. The Play that Rocked Broadway - "Class of 29" - It Dares to Tell the Truth - President Theatre'. Poster for play by Orrie Lashin and Milo Hastings

"The New Education Illustrated" by Edith C. Westcott... 1900. Creator: Frances Benjamin Johnston
"The New Education Illustrated" by Edith C. Westcott, with photographs from life by Frances Benjamin Johnston, Number 2 - Arithmetic, 1900

"The New Education Illustrated" by Edith C. Westcott... 1900. Creator: Frances Benjamin Johnston
"The New Education Illustrated" by Edith C. Westcott, with photographs from life by Frances Benjamin Johnston, Number 1 - Primary, 1900

Arthur P. Owens, between 1913 and 1918. Creator: Harris & Ewing. Arthur P. Owens, between 1913 and 1918
Arthur P. Owens, between 1913 and 1918. Wearing academic robes

Harper's June, c1890 - 1907. Creator: Edward Penfield
Harper's June, c1890 - 1907. [Publisher: Harper Publications; Place: New York]

John Carroll, Statue At Georgetown University, Dedicated May 4, 1912. Creator: Harris & Ewing
John Carroll, Statue At Georgetown University, Dedicated May 4, 1912 - Chief Justice White And Cardinal Gibbons At Dedication, 1912 May 4

John Carroll, Statue At Georgetown University, Dedicated May 4, 1912 - Scenes At Desk, 1912 May 4. [John Carroll, archbishop of Baltimore, was the founder of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C

"The Domum", at Winchester College, 1854. Creator: Unknown. "The Domum", at Winchester College
"The Domum", at Winchester College, 1854. Annual singing of the school song, which dates back to at least 1773, at Winchester College, a private boys school in Hampshire

Presentation of Addresses to Her Majesty, at Windsor Castle... 1850. Creator: Unknown
Presentation of Addresses to Her Majesty, at Windsor Castle - the Ante-Room to St. George's-Hall, 1850. The City of London, the University of Oxford

Picture No. 12020806
Long-haired Selkirk Rex Cat, wearing glasses and a graduation mortar board. Digital manipulation Date:

Students of Teesside University march through the streets during the 12.45 pm graduation march. The procession always takes place on the first day of graduation. 23rd November 1994

Picture No. 12020805
Cat - Exotic Shorthair wearing glasses and mortar board. Digital manipulation Date:

Picture No. 12020773
Sheep - Ewe - pink heart shaped wool wearing mortar board. Digital manipulation Date:

Helen Keller wearing graduation cap and gown, 1904 (b/w photo)
3499999 Helen Keller wearing graduation cap and gown, 1904 (b/w photo) by American Photographer, (20th century); (add.info.: Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 - June 1, 1968) was an American author

Ruggles, Gen. son & daughter?, at Soldiers Home, between 1890 and 1910. Creator: Unknown
Ruggles, Gen. son & daughter?, at Soldiers Home, between 1890 and 1910

Young men preparing to receive degrees from Howard University, Washington, D. C, 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Young men preparing to receive degrees from Howard University

DOG. Hungarian Vizsla puppy wearing Graduation hat and glasses Date: 18-03-2019

JD-18693
Dog - Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen puppy wearing graduation hat

DOG - Chihuahua puppy sitting Date: 02-Sep-20

DOG. Chihuahua puppy wearing studded collar Date: 02-Sep-20

13132717
Polar Bear - young bear waving and wearing a Graduation cap Date: 04-05-2020

13132709
Emperor Penguin, close-up of chick wearing glasses amd mortar board Date: 19-12-2019

13131646
DOG - Golden retriever celebrating graduation with a glass of champagne Date: 16-05-2007

A Victorian Christmas card of a boy wearing a mortarboard arm in arm with a girl wearing
3603609 A Victorian Christmas card of a boy wearing a mortarboard arm in arm with a girl wearing a feathered pink bonnet, c.1880 (colour litho) by English School

James Steel Orchar, 1881 (oil on canvas)
6200882 James Steel Orchar, 1881 (oil on canvas) by Pettie, John (1839-93); 59.7x40 cm; The McManus, Dundee, UK; (add.info.: James Steel Orchar (1854-91) son of James Guthrie Orchar (1825-98)

Student in Civil law, engraved by J. Agar, published in R
778195 Student in Civil law, engraved by J. Agar, published in R. Ackermanns History of Oxford, 1814 (hand-coloured engraving) by Uwins

A Victorian Christmas card of Father time banging a drum watched by two owls dressed as
3605383 A Victorian Christmas card of Father time banging a drum watched by two owls dressed as scholars, c.1880 (colour litho) by English School

The Rasher-Bill (Divers Oxoniensis): Hastings Rashdall (1858-1924
NCO239397 The Rasher-Bill (Divers Oxoniensis): Hastings Rashdall (1858-1924) (pen & ink and pencil on paper) by English School, (20th century); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

Servitor, Bachelor of Divinity, Collector, engraved by J. Agar, published in R
778197 Servitor, Bachelor of Divinity, Collector, engraved by J. Agar, published in R. Ackermanns History of Oxford, 1814 (hand-coloured engraving) by Uwins

John Soane Junior and George Soane, 1805 (oil on canvas)
1065272 John Soane Junior and George Soane, 1805 (oil on canvas) by Owen, William (1769-1825); 123.4x98.4 cm; Courtesy of the Trustees of Sir John Soanes Museum

Gentleman Commoner & Nobleman with Pro Proctor, engraved by J. Agar, published in R
778196 Gentleman Commoner & Nobleman with Pro Proctor, engraved by J. Agar, published in R. Ackermanns History of Oxford, 1813 (hand-coloured engraving) by Uwins

Doctor in Divinity, engraved by J. Agar, published in R
778186 Doctor in Divinity, engraved by J. Agar, published in R. Ackermanns History of Oxford, 1814 (hand-coloured engraving) by Uwins

Cambridge University boat crew in training on river Ouse, Cambridgeshire. March 1975 75-01385

Archie MacPherson Sports Commentator & Rector of Edinburgh University March 1985

Mrs Martin Luther King March 1969 Addressed the congregation at St Pauls from the pulpit at the Mothers day Evensong Service

Stephen Lewis seen here in the costume of a head master. July 1975

At Oxford a couple celebrate after graduation ceremony. June 1952 C3120

At Oxford a couple celebrate after graduation ceremony. June 1952 C3120

James Smithson, 1786. Creator: James Roberts
James Smithson, 1786

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"Mortarboard: A Symbol of Academic Achievement and Timeless Tradition" The mortarboard, a distinctive square academic cap with its iconic tassel, holds a rich history that transcends time and continents. From Dante in Oxford to the students of Teesside University marching through the streets, this timeless headpiece has adorned countless heads as a symbol of accomplishment. In 1904, artist Max Beerbohm captured the essence of academia in his masterpiece "Proctor: Your Name And College?" The intricate details showcased Vice Chancellor, Esquire Beadle, Yeoman Beadle, Verger engraved by J. , highlighting the significance placed on education during that era. Even renowned figures like Helen Keller proudly wore their graduation caps and gowns in 1904. Her determination and resilience shone through as she embraced her academic achievements despite her physical challenges. However, not all depictions associated with mortarboards were celebratory. In William Hogarth's engraving "Autopsy or The Reward of Cruelty" from "The Four Stages of Cruelty, " published in 1751, we witness how cruelty can lead to dire consequences. This serves as a reminder that knowledge should be used for good rather than harm. Moving forward in time to between 1890 and 1910 at Soldiers Home lies an intriguing photograph featuring Ruggles Gen. 's son & daughter? Their attire suggests they may have been partaking in an educational ceremony where mortarboards played a significant role. Fast-forwarding further to 1942 at Howard University in Washington D. C. , young men prepared themselves to receive their hard-earned degrees. Gordon Parks immortalized this momentous occasion with his lens capturing both anticipation and pride radiating from these graduates' faces. But who says humans are the only ones deserving recognition? Even our furry friends donned graduation hats. A Hungarian Vizsla puppy wearing glasses atop its mortarboard brings smiles while reminding us that education knows no bounds.