2024 marks big anniversaries for many iconic institutions across London Heritage Quarter, including The National Gallery’s bicentenary and The RSA’s 270th anniversary. With this in mind, we’re celebrating heritage all summer long with our Journey Through Time Trail, Art in the Sky flags on Strand, as well as walking tours and a document of the history behind some notable venues here.
Our Journey Through Time trail explores our rich heritage and vibrant evolution with 11 London-themed sculptures linked with augmented reality, with archival imagery provided by Thorney Island Society and Westminster City Archives.
2024 Anniversaries
The National Gallery – 200th anniversary
On 10 May 2024, the Gallery celebrated their 200th birthday, marking two centuries of bringing people and paintings together. Founded in 1824, the Gallery stands as one of the most prestigious art institutions globally, renowned for its extensive collection of European paintings. The gallery’s establishment was initially modest, beginning with just 38 paintings purchased from the banker and collector John Julius Angerstein. Over the years, the collection has expanded significantly, now boasting over 2,300 works that span from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
The National Gallery’s collection is particularly noted for its depth and breadth, encompassing masterpieces by iconic artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Johannes Vermeer, and Claude Monet. In addition to permanent collections, a number of temporary exhibitions also take place, as well as educational programs, and public events.
Join The National Gallery in celebrating their bicentenary with a year-long series of events that honour their past and look to the future. Find out more here.
The RSA – 270th anniversary
This year, the Royal Society of Arts celebrates its 270th anniversary and had plenty to look back on with pride. From helping to plant millions of trees, holding the first dedicated exhibitions of contemporary art, initiating the Great Exhibition, developing the first national public examinations, launching the Blue Plaque scheme, introducing the Student Design Awards (currently celebrating their 100th year), creating the designation of Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) or starting the Fourth Plinth campaign, there were many notable achievements.
Discover upcoming events at The RSA.
St Mary Le Strand – 300th anniversary
This iconic church located on Strand Aldwych, celebrates its tercentenary this year. Completed in 1724, this exquisite Baroque-style church stands as a masterpiece of early 18th-century architecture. Designed by the renowned architect James Gibbs, St Mary Le Strand is celebrated for its elegant proportions, intricate detailing, and significant historical importance.
It was the first commission completed by Gibbs, who would later become one of Britain’s most influential architects. St Mary Le Strand was constructed as part of the “Fifty New Churches” project, an initiative aimed at accommodating London’s rapidly growing population and enhancing the spiritual life of the city. The church’s striking spire, ornate façade, and beautifully decorated interior make it a distinctive landmark on the bustling Strand.
Throughout its 300-year history, St Mary Le Strand has witnessed and adapted to the dynamic changes of its urban surroundings. It has served as a place of worship, community gathering, and refuge, maintaining its relevance and charm despite the passage of time and the evolving landscape of London. Now, it sits in the heart of Strand Aldwych, a pedestrianised oasis that was once a busy and congested with traffic.
Supreme Court – 15th anniversary
The Supreme Court deals with cases of the highest public or constitutional importance affecting the whole of the UK. Construction of the neo-gothic building took place from 1906 to 1913, and began life as the Middlesex Guildhall, housing the Middlesex County Council. Scottish architect James S Gibson demonstrated a modern approach, keeping his design “distinct in scale and style so as to preserve its own individuality.” The boldly massed building has a Portland stone exterior and a slate roof.
During the 1980s it was converted into a Crown Court centre with seven criminal courtrooms. Original features were obscured by machinery, cells and partitions, and the amount of natural light entering the building was vastly reduced.
Today, renovation work has restored many of these hidden details, including fine panelling, carving and stained glass with connections to the old county of Middlesex. Light wells bring daylight back into the heart of the building, in accordance with Gibson’s designs. Newly recreated spaces include a public café and interactive exhibition area, new courtrooms, and a magnificent triple-height law library.
Restored to full splendour, the building now brings both dignity and accessibility to its role, making it a fitting place to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Supreme Court in 2024. You are very welcome to come inside and explore.
Journey Through Time Trail
From Victoria to Strand, passing through Westminster and Whitehall, find 11 London-themed sculptures on this trail of innovation and creativity. Each sculpture is painted by artists from the London art agency, Artiq, and linked to augmented reality, exploring London’s rich heritage and vibrant evolution. A huge thanks to Thorney Island Society and Westminster City Archives for providing some of the archival images.
Thorney Island Society
The Thorney Island Society was formed in 1985 to save from demolition Old Westminster public library in Great Smith Street, now the Cinnamon Club Restaurant. Since then they’ve kept a watchful eye on developments in this area, sometimes referred to as ‘Westminster Village’, which includes the World Heritage Site encompassing the Abbey and Houses of Parliament. Members enjoy visits, talks and social events around the area. A local archive of books, prints, plans and ephemera are maintained, which are open to the public by appointment.
New members who have an interest in ’Westminster Village’ and all that it has to offer are always welcome. Details of membership can be found on their website.
Westminster City Archives
The Westminster Archives Centre is the archive centre for the City of Westminster, London, located at 10 St Ann’s Street, London SW1P 2DE. They are open daily Tuesday-Saturday. Details regarding visiting can be found here