The concept of The Road to Byzantium exhibition came together in July 2005 and fundraising activity began in the early autumn. A dinner in November brought together key supporters and enthusiasts including members of the Walpole Circle and our special guests the Greek Ambassador His Excellency, Anastase Scopelitis and the Russian Ambassador His Excellency, Yuri Fedotov, Lord Rothschild and Professor Piotrovsky, Director of the State Hermitage Museum St Petersburg.

During the evening Professor Piotrovsky presented Lord Rothschild and Geraldine Norman with a medal from the State Hermitage Museum in honour of their contribution to the success of the Hermitage Rooms. Courtauld lecturers and exhibition curators Dr Anthony Eastmond and Dr Peter Stewart related the story of the exhibition and inspired all who attended.

The exhibition received tremendous support from those attending the dinner, and we were delighted when in January this year we reached our fundraising goal. Furthermore, we have been able to fund a poster campaign in the London Underground, as well as provide free audio guides to our visitors. We are very grateful for the generosity of the following donors: Alpha Bank, London; The Blavatnik Family Foundation; the J.F. Costopoulos Foundation; Cycladic Capital LLP; The Sir Joseph Hotung Charitable Settlement; The A.G. Leventis Foundation and SETE S.A.

How you can support the Hermitage Rooms

Red-figure krater (mixing bowl)

The Hermitage Rooms provides London with a unique opportunity to see works of art drawn from the State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg. They receive no public funding and therefore the exhibitions can only take place as a result of gifts made by those who wish to enable these treasures to be seen in London. The Walpole Circle is a group of individuals which supports The Hermitage Rooms with an annual gift and enjoys certain privileges. To support the Hermitage Rooms through the Walpole Circle please contact: Kate Knight (Head of Individual giving Programmes) kate.knight@courtauld.ac.uk 020 7848 2194

Emma Davidson
Director of Development