[7] Following Jocelyn Devas's death eighteen months after founding the club, in a climbing accident on the Matterhorn, his father offered a substantial endowment if his college friends would carry on the work in Battersea.

[13] The main purpose of the institute's work was initially educational, but as this function became increasingly taken over by the London County Council, sporting and creative activities began to take precedence in the programme.

It aims to enable young people, particularly the disaffected and at risk, to reach their full potential as responsible, talented individuals and as active participants in the community.

[5] It has also developed a close relationship over many years with Wandsworth Council, who provide full-time youth staff to support the club's activities.

It has been the subject of a bid to turn it into a modern centre for sports and the creative arts for disadvantaged youth, as well as providing enhanced facilities for local community use.

[citation needed] It will include extensively modernising and extending the facilities, as well as upgrading the building provide a more open, flexible and welcoming layout.