£9.5 million raised for British Academy transformation as successful appeal draws to a close

The British Academy has successfully concluded its multi-year capital fundraising programme, raising £9.5 million from its Fellows, friends, and other philanthropic supporters to fund an ambitious redevelopment of its historic London headquarters.

The funds raised include the generous support of major donors including the principal supporter, the Wolfson Foundation, and other supporters including the Wohl Legacy, the Garfield Weston Foundation, and the Foyle Foundation. We are also grateful for the recent support of the S.T. Lee Foundation and to Sir Victor and Lady Blank. Fellows and friends of the Academy have given generously to the Appeal for which we are enormously grateful, including Dr William Zachs who received a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Academy between 1989-92.

Architects Wright & Wright led the complete remodel of the lower floors of the Academy’s historic London headquarters, a Grade I listed townhouse located near The Mall and The Royal Society, its sister academy for science. A cramped warren of unused rooms, former office spaces, and corridors has been transformed into three interconnected, double-height, light-filled, flexible event spaces equipped with hybrid AV technology.

‘It's been incredibly rewarding to see the Academy's transformation during my presidency,’ said Professor Julia Black, President of the British Academy. ‘This has been a long process, started by my two preceding Presidents: Professor Sir David Cannadine and Lord Nicholas Stern. On behalf of the Academy and our entire community, I want to express heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to making this strategic redevelopment a reality, particularly our generous donors. This would not have been possible without you.’

Accessibility has been at the heart of the redesign. Features include a remodeled entrance area, new lifts, cloakrooms, and washrooms with increased capacity. Level access, wide doorways, and hearing loops have been installed throughout the building. Additionally, a new Quiet Room has been created for prayer, breastfeeding, or as a low-stimulus, calming space for visitors with additional needs.

An integral part of the reopening programme is the Academy’s reimagined public events offering. The first season, titled “We are the British Academy” concluded earlier this month, and has highlighted the best of the humanities and social sciences, showcasing research, insights, and expertise from the Academy’s community of Fellows, funded researchers, and experts. After December, the rolling programme will feature two themed seasons annually, with "The Age of Mistrust?” and “Folklore Reimagined” to follow in 2025.