Our wide-ranging cultural events take us to exclusive venues, discovering remarkable art, architecture and unexpected wonders as we go. Join us as we pass through doors that are normally closed – in London, throughout the UK and beyond.
2025 Events
Thursday 24 April – Private tour of Tirzah Garwood: Beyond Ravilious, Dulwich Picture Gallery
Join us at an exclusive viewing led by Jennifer Scott, Director of the Dulwich Picture Gallery, of this major exhibition devoted to visionary artist Tirzah Garwood (1908-1951). This is a rare opportunity to see more than 80 of Garwood’s works of art, together with 11 by her husband Eric Ravilious, and delve into the distinct […]
Friday, 9 May – Visit to Bruton in Somerset
Our visit to the delightful town of Bruton will inspire all lovers of art and gardens. We will enjoy special access to the studios of Sir Christopher Le Brun, Past President of the Royal Academy, and Charlotte Verity, together with a private visit to the Lee Bowman Gallery. Details of further activities will be added […]
Tuesday, 10 June – A special study day exploring the City of London’s stained glass
Discover the fascinating stained glass illuminating London’s historic Wren churches. Art Guide and Lecturer Alexandra Epps will lead us through the wonders of the historic Square Mile’s radiant windows. We will discover glass from ancient to modern, created by remarkable artists and makers.
Wednesday, 25 June – An artist introduces his latest exhibition
Ilos Ilyas Elias Kirkan invites us to join a curated tour of his new exhibition Journeys within Journeys at Hoxton’s eARTh Gallery. Discover how this Danish-Kurdish artist has amassed an international following for his vibrant, gestural work.
Tuesday, 29 July — Private visit to the Society of Antiquaries
Founded in 1707, the Society of Antiquaries is a learned society of historians and archaeologists. Our behind-the-scenes guided tour of their Burlington House property will include the library of more than 100,000 titles dating from the 1470s to the present day.We will see some of the 50 incunables – books printed before 1501. At the time of […]
Wednesday, 10 September — Sikh history at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Expert guide Rav Singh leads a fascinating Sikh history tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. He brings alive stories from the Kingdom of Lahore and Sikh heritage as he introduces the memorial commemorating the Battle of Chillianwallah of 1849.Additional impressive monuments, art and architecture await at the King’s Lawn, the Great Hall and Wren Chapel. Our afternoon tour will be […]
Friday, 31 October to Tuesday 4 November — The Art and Culture of Marrakesh
Our four-night trip embraces some of this city’s lesser known aspects of Moroccan art and culture. We will visit artists’ studios, see craftsmen at work, and enjoy special guided tours of museums and galleries — all accompanied by wonderful local food.
Tuesday, 7 October — Visit to the workshop of specialist framers
An exclusive early morning visit to the workshops of the renowned Tanous Fine Art Frames, founded in 1905. We will have the opportunity to see the process of creating and restoring traditional frames using their unique collection of hand-carved antique moulds.
Selected Past Events
March – Private lunch with the Director of Strawberry Hill House
Join in the fantastic setting of Strawberry Hill House, brainchild of the eccentric Horace Walpole, for our interactive lunch with its Director, Zoe Colbeck. We will have the opportunity to discuss future plans for the house and garden and to discover the extraordinary history of its former occupants.
February – Artist’s Studio Visit
An early evening visit to the studio of Adam Dant, winner of the Jerwood Drawing prize. Dant will introduce and take questions about his work, which features in the Victoria & Albert Museum, New York’s Museum of Modern Art, and many other leading collections including that of King Charles III.
January – Ceramicist Studio Visit
A special opportunity to view the workshop of Kate Malone, MBE, a British ceramicist principally known for her large sculptural vessels and rich, bright glazes. During our early evening visit, we will see the fascinating glaze archive. Kate will also show us selected process material and discuss some of her finished pieces.
November 2024 – Francis Bacon: Human Presence
A private early morning curated visit to this major exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, featuring works from the 1950s onwards. This exhibition will explore Francis Bacon’s deep connection to portraiture and how he challenged traditional definitions of the genre.
June 2024 – The Purcell Club at Westminster Abbey
A special guided evening tour of the church with choral music interludes sung by members of the Purcell Club, named after the famous composer who was organist at the Abbey from 1679-1695.
April 2024 – Discover a Private Collection
An early evening visit to the fascinating Eaton Square home of multifaceted collector Mark Storey. We will enjoy exceptional access to his library, which is also a museum of singular non-literary treasures. Our focus will be on late 19th-century British publications and works of art.
March 2024 – Lunch with Lord Smith of Finsbury
Chris Smith will join members at a relaxed gathering in The Painted Chamber at Painters’ Hall. Over lunch he will discuss his time as Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport in the Blair government and his current role as Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge.
November 2023 – Private visit to see the Katrin Bellinger Collection
Although Katrin Bellinger’s great love is Italian renaissance drawings, her interests range as widely as her collections. Her house, which we have the privilege of visiting, bears witness to her various passions.
October 2023 – Visit to Cosmic House
Join us on a magical mystery tour of this idiosyncratic private house-turned-museum in Holland Park. Completed in 1983, this former London home of the globally renowned architectural historian and cultural theorist Charles Jencks is a Postmodern cornucopia of ideas, symbols and motifs.
September, 2023 – The Magic of Malta
Join us on an unforgettable adventure exploring the history of this fascinating Mediterranean island. Unearthing its eventful history from 5900BC, when Sicilian settlers arrived, we will enjoy expert-led visits to some of Valletta’s most spectacular sights.Our itinerary features exclusive access to buildings normally closed to visitors and memorable dining in exceptional restaurants. We stay in […]