 It can be awarded in gold, silver or bronze; the Telford Gold Medal is the highest award the institution can bestow.In 1834 Scottish civil engineer and the Institution of Civil Engineers' first president (1820-1834), Thomas Telford died, leaving in his will his library of technical works to the Institution of Civil Engineers, as well as a bequest of £2000; the interest from which was to be used to for the purpose of "Annual Premiums".The council of the institute decided to expend the premiums on both honorary and monetary rewards, the honorary awards being named Telford Medals, which would be awarded in gold, silver and bronze forms.