Clarity and Co Collection

Clarity and Co, originally known as The Association for Promoting the General Welfare of the Blind, was founded in 1854 by Elizabeth Gilbert to support blind individuals in gaining employment. The charity offered training and jobs in its factories and also provided housing for many of its employees, establishing Clarity and Co as one of the earliest social enterprises.

The organization garnered strong support from prominent figures such as Prime Minister William Gladstone, author Charles Dickens, and Queen Victoria, who served as its patron until her death in 1901. This backing enabled the charity to expand its reach and assist a growing number of people until it was disolved in 2020.

In 2022, the Clarity and Co archives were donated to Brunel University to support academic research, particularly in the field of social enterprise.