History

In 1994 a group of Italian women resident in London financed, with a series of fund-raising events, the purchase of the glass case containing the bust of Pope Leo X (the commissioner of the Raphael Cartoons) at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Following that success, the Italian Cultural Association, Il Circolo, was created in 1995 with the aim of promoting Italian culture in this country through the award of scholarships. Il Circolo has as its patrons the consort of the Italian Ambassador in London and the Duchess of Somerset.

Today, Il Circolo numbers some 200 members of different nationalities, all interested in different aspects of the Italian culture. Fund-raising is an important activity and each year money is spent on scholarships to help students seeking further education. Funds are also distributed to selected charities.

Il Circolo fulfills an important role in establishing a network among its members, who share similar interests, wish to take part in various activities as either organisers or participants, and generally encourage mutual friendship.