The Nicholson Institute is a Grade II* landmark building, situated in Stockwell Street, Leek. Joshua Nicholson, who became head of textiles firm Brough, Nicholson and Hall, paid for the institute to be designed and built. In September 1882, the foundation stone of the Nicholson Institute was laid by Mrs Nicholson and on 16th October 1884 the building opened. Many famous figures entered the doors of the Nicholson over the years. Having a museum, library and education rooms, the institute played host to music recitals and lectures by the likes of Oscar Wilde and John Betjamen. In 2006 the library facilities were re- developed by Staffordshire County Council and, in 2008, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council paid for the refurbishment of the gallery facilities.