About us

The London Art History Society organises a programme of art history events in central London, including lectures, study days, study visits, and courses as well as tours to cultural destinations within the UK and Europe. It is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who are responsible for planning and organising our annual programme. This enables us to provide excellent value for money.

The Society was founded in 1981 as the University of London Extra-Mural History of Art Society (ULEMHAS), consisting mainly of Birkbeck art history students. By 2015 our membership had broadened and steadily increased in numbers, and in response we changed our name to The London Art History Society. Our membership has grown to well over 400 members today. We continue to have close links with Birkbeck and are affiliated to their Department of History of Art. Members may obtain access to Birkbeck Library on the same basis as alumni.

We are a not-for-profit organisation with low overheads, and surpluses from our activities may be donated to selected London art institutions for specific projects, such as conservation of an artwork or support of an education project. The most recent donations in 2017 were to support Birkbeck History of Art Department Research Fund (£2,000) and the Sir John Soane Education Department (£2,000). See all our past donations.