Exhibition celebrates 800 years of philanthropy in the City of London

Howard Lake | 30 October 2013 | News

The Museum of London has opened an exhibition that explores the City of London's history of charitable giving. 'Philanthropy: The City Story' is appropriately supported by the City of London Corporation’s charity City Bridge Trust.

It features 800 years of philanthropy from former Lord Mayor Dick Whittington to new giving syndicates pioneered by young City workers.

It is being held at the Charterhouse, the first time that the public will have access to this 14th century Carthusian monastery, now an alms house and hospital.

Philanthropy: The City Story runs for a month until 30 November 2013. Entry is free and the exhibition is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 12-5.30pm.

David Farnsworth, Chief Grants Officer of the City of London Corporation’s charity, City Bridge Trust said: "We believe philanthropy is a reciprocal part of a person’s career and by funding the campaign City Philanthropy – A Wealth of Opportunity we are encouraging more workers to get involved.  This aims to support the growing culture of philanthropy in the city and position London as a leading global centre of philanthropic giving.”

Sharon Ament, Director of the Museum of London said: "Using money to make things happen for the common good is part of the capital’s entrepreneurial spirit. The Museum of London’s galleries are full of examples of citizens coming together to improve life in this wonderful city of ours".

Part of the exhibition will later form a small, portable exhibition for schools and corporate business foyers.

Book and events

An illustrated book, available from the Museum of London bookshop for £15, accompanies the exhibition and offers a history of city philanthropy from medieval to modern times.

There is also a programme of philanthropy events/debates with leading philanthropists and experts at the Charterhouse.

About City Philanthropy: A Wealth of Opportunity

The exhibition is part of City Philanthropy – A Wealth of Opportunity a three-year initiative (2013-15, funded by the City bridge Trust, that aims to:

• embed a culture of effective philanthropy in the City of London (and Canary Wharf), particularly among a younger generation of professionals and
   
• promote London as a global centre for effective philanthropy.

The elements of City Philanthropy – A Wealth of Opportunity include:

• a City Funding Network for young philanthropists
   
• support of Young Philanthropy, a giving syndicate that sees senior corporate partners match the philanthropy of groups of young City professionals
   
• sponsorship of the Beacon Fellowship City Philanthropy Awards
   
• Philanthropy: The City Story Exhibition.

Highlights of the exhibition
 

About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale. He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.