Domenico di Michelino, “La commedia illumina Firenze” | Photo: istock Visions of Heaven: Dante and the Art of Divine Light in Painting, a talk by Professor Martin Kemp Art in Italy: not Only the Grand Tour, a talk by Silvia Badiali Fondazione Prada, Milan | Architectural project by OMA | Photo: Bas Princen |Courtesy Fondazione Prada Understanding Ravenna, a talk by Michael Starks The mosaics of the San Vitale Basilica, Ravenna | Photo: istock Lina Wertmüller and the Commedia all’Italiana Gender and Fascism, a talk by V.Signorelli, S. Angeli, C. Zoppelletto | Seven Beauties (1975) The Medici Bankers, a talk by Ian Morgan View of Florence | Photo: istock

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
1926 - 2022

The Trustees and Members of the British-Italian Society are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen. We send our most sincere condolences to King Charles III and to other members of the Royal Family. Our thoughts are with them at this time of great loss.

For over 70 years The Queen has been a beacon of reassurance, continuity, stability and commitment to service and duty. At the same time she performed her duties with charm, humour and a human touch.

We recall too that Her Majesty made an exceptional contribution to Anglo-Italian relations, including three State Visits to Italy. We owe her an enormous debt.

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Welcome to the BIS

Celebrating 80 years of Anglo-Italian culture and friendship
1941 – 2021

The British-Italian Society warmly welcomes all those with an interest in Italy and its culture and way of life, including its remarkable history, geography, language, literature, art, music, political and economic developments and food and wine.

Our regular evening meetings, usually held in London, are friendly and open to all. They feature presentations (usually in English) by expert speakers on a wide range of fascinating topics, followed by an informal drink and chat. From time to time we also arrange outings, museum or gallery visits and social events. Please join us. 

The British-Italian Society is a UK-registered Charity. We raise money to support cultural projects reflecting the Society’s aims and to respond to humanitarian needs. Education is a priority: the Society sponsors award schemes to encourage Italian studies in UK and Irish schools and universities.

Our Events

We host a varied programme of cultural events including lectures, seminars, book launches, museum and art gallery visits as well as social gatherings with drinks and/or dinner. Everything we do has an Italian aspect or is about an Italian topic, often with an emphasis on the close relationship between Italy and the UK. Our speakers are experts in their fields with close connections to Italy and include professors, authors, musicians, artists and the like.

We usually end all our events with a glass of wine and a few nibbles so that members and guests will have a chance to socialise and enjoy a moment of excellent Italian ‘convivialità’. Our events are open to members, their guests and the general public, subject to availability. We encourage our guests to get to know the BIS and, of course, to become members themselves.

Would you like to support us?

Consider becoming a member

Or make a donation