Enfilade

Library of the Society of Antiquaries of London, Burlington House.

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From the press release, via Art Daily:

The Society of Antiquaries has launched a series of fundraising events Past Matters: Shaping Our Future at Burlington House in support of the Society’s bold vision to transform its historic home into a world-leading centre for the study of heritage. The talks series will take place from 28 October to 19 November 2025 with tickets now available to buy online. These autumn events will enable the Society to commission architectural plans to shape the Society’s future at Burlington House and increase access to the vast collections, expand the Society’s research and education programmes, and create dynamic new spaces for exhibitions, seminars, and events. This will ensure that Burlington House remains a place of inspiration, scholarship, and discovery for generations to come.

George Vertue, Lady Jane Grey, 1748, engraving.

Alongside the talks, Abbott & Holder (30 Museum Street, opposite the British Museum) will sell some early engravings by George Vertue for the Society of Antiquaries from 21 October until December 2025. Seven prints of the 18th-century engravings made from plates by the Society’s first official engraver, George Vertue (1684–1756), all duplicates with copies still part of the Society’s Collection, will be for sale with 65% of the sale price going to the Society. The enterprising Vertue combined his work for the Society with illustrious private commissions and the production of independent engravings, which he sold from his shop in Drury Lane. His ‘tablatures’ of historical royal portraits were ‘collected, drawn, and engraved from ancient original pictures’.

Natasha McEnroe FSA, General Secretary and CEO of the Society of Antiquaries of London, says: “Thanks to our kind sponsors so far we have raised £1.3 million (27%) of the £4.8m cost of the Society’s 999-Year Lease. We invite supporters to sponsor our home in square feet:£500 cover a square foot of Burlington House, while ‘Foundation 1707 Sponsors’ will sponsor four square feet of Burlington House with £2,000 (costs can be spread with monthly Direct Debits). Our supporters will all get a special ‘Bond of Support’ designed by British artist Adam Dant.”

All events cost £30 per person, with tickets available on the Society’s website. Geoffrey Munn’s Halloween talk can also be followed online at a cost of £6. The Society is collaborating with the St. James’s Hotel & Club for the Past Matters season and supporters are able to enjoy a special three-course lunch offer of £30 including a glass of bubbly and event attendees can exclusively enjoy a 20% discount on the exquisite art-inspired afternoon tea by showing their ticket confirmation. The hotel is just across the road in St James’s; pre-booking is essential and the offers are available until 30 November; they can be booked here.

Sale of Early Engravings of the Society of Antiquaries at Abbot & Holder
October — December
From 21 October we are offering seven prints of engravings made from plates by the Society’s first official engraver, George Vertue (1684–1756) for sale with the gallery Abbott & Holder.

Royal Patrons and Collectors in the 20th Century, from King Edward VII to Queen Elizabeth II
Tuesday, 28 October, 6pm
Join Tim Knox FSA, Director of the Royal Collection, for a lively exploration of royal taste and patronage from Edward VII to Queen Elizabeth II.

Myth and Magic: A 16th-Century Charmstone and Its Links to the Society of Antiquaries
Friday, 31 October, 6pm
On Halloween night, join Geoffrey Munn OBE FSA, as he unveils the extraordinary tale of a mysterious 16th-century rock crystal charmstone.

Drawn to Discovery at the Antiquaries
Thursday, 6 November, 5pm
An evening reception with Abbott & Holder at the Antiquaries for a curated selection of highlights from the Society’s remarkable collection of over 55,000 prints and drawings from the 17th to 20th centuries.

Hats off to Tradition: Tales from The Cocked Hat Club
Wednesday, 19 November, 6pm
Roll up! Roll up! Join us for a unique evening that lifts the lid on one of the most curious—and least known—aspects of the ‘Old Lady’, as the Society of Antiquaries is affectionately known.