>>5686809The Benevolent Institute for the Transformation of Charitable Housing (BITCH)
A seance is being held here to raise funds in aid of supporters of the destitute, elderly and infirm. Some of the funds may even be distributed to the needy, some day. Ever since the reforms of the New Poor Laws, provision of relief has been discouraged to any who refuse to accept the refuge and shelter offered within the confines of its red brick gothic walls. The rather grim architectural facade of the Institute buildings comprises a sanatorium ward in addition to separate male and female accommodation for the occupants, otherwise known as the Workhouse, although the Institute Committee prefers the nomenclature of a co-working family. There is also an orphanage that retains comprehensive records of unwanted births.
The ongoing construction of the railways and corresponding clearance and demolition of slum districts has ensured an influx of new homeless arrivals to the Benevolent Institute, joining the incessant flood of refugees and immigrants from the colonies. Consequently, the Benevolent Institute has had to expand many of its facilities for welfare due to overcrowding, absorbing several buildings beyond its original grounds. This has led to the premises taking on a bizarre appearance; a small series of opulent and well furnished rooms for the welcoming of wealthy patrons, appended to a large ergastulum of incarceration and misery.
One of the means by which the Benevolent Institute supplements its funds is through the arrangement of guided tours for wealthy guests, philanthropists and potential benefactors, amongst the most poverty-stricken and wretched inhabitants. The tours are not intended to serve as entertainment. The Institute is frequently on the lookout for burgeoning artists to adorn the sombre grounds, as it is a common belief that the labours of art furnish refinement for the soul. Many such poetic slogans, gilded or embellished in floral art nouveau lettering, can be seen praising the Benevolent Institute:
Do What You Love
Where Change Comes To Work
You Belong Here With Everyone
Create. Collaborate
Better Work, Together
