Society of Antiquaries to Lose Home?
November 25 2020
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Art Newspaper has reported on worrying news that the Society of Antiquaries is considering moving from their historic home in Burlington House, London. This is due to astronomical rises in rent which have been reported as an increase of 3,100% since 2012. It seems that these rises have been due to new initiatives to ensure government owned buildings are let at the market rate.
The article also suggests that parts of their collection might be sold to plug the gap.
In response to this news, the article also contains the following update giving a quotation from a government ministry:
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government says: “The Society of Antiquaries currently pays around 30% of market rent for its premises in New Burlington House, and won’t start paying full market rent until 2085. The current lease was agreed in 2005 by the then government and the Learned Societies following an unsuccessful High Court challenge by the societies for ownership of the building. Despite this we’re sympathetic to the societies’ position and are exploring whether there is a solution that can deliver value for taxpayers and help the societies to remain at New Burlington House.”
