Bishopsgate Institute

230 Bishopsgate, City of London

Grade II*

The Bishopsgate Institute was opened in January 1895 as a cultural institute, "erected for the benefit of the public to promote lectures, exhibitions and otherwise the advancement of literature, science and the fine arts". It is still fulfilling its original aims today. The building was designed in an elegant Arts and Crafts style and has a grandiose entrance, with polygonal side turrets and a broad, arched doorway. The façade is faced in unusual buff terracotta tiles with two broad friezes of stylized trees by William Aumonier. The Institute has begun a £7.1 million restoration scheme to restore the historic interiors and improve facilities. They have a £1.5 million grant from the HLF. As part of the works, the façade (discoloured by pollution) will be cleaned and repaired. The cost to restore the façade is estimated to be £21,000 - the Trust has offered £4,000 towards work on the façade.

A new education suite and library improvements were unveiled in spring 2010.