The Layton Room at St Bride Foundation

ABOUT ST BRIDE FOUNDATION

In 1891, St Bride Foundation was established to provide a social, cultural and recreational centre for London's Fleet Street and its burgeoning print and publishing trade. Now, this historic site is a living and breathing community once again, with new projects, facilities and programmes expanding its central mission: to excite and inspire.

At the heart of the Foundation is an unparalleled library of print, media, communications and design, believed to be the largest in the world – but its remit is becoming even more broad and exciting. With a renewed educational programme, a vibrant fringe theatre and a wide gamut of seminars and events, St Bride Foundation is reaffirming its status as a major London hub for the creative arts.

The Foundation has always prided itself on providing a service for local people and charities.

Many of its historic rooms are available to the public to use, including the impressive Bridewell Hall, which hosts a wide variety of events on a regular basis, and the stately Salisbury Room, in demand as a board room, but also for fine dining, receptions, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.

Although the Printing School moved to the south of the River Thames many years ago, much of the original equipment remains on site and is now being used once more, bringing printing instruction back to Fleet Street.

The St Bride Library is generally acknowledged to be a world-class resource, with extensive collections relating to printing, typography and graphic design with visitors from across the globe delving into the archives.

From classics to contemporary, the Bridewell Theatre offers evening programmes with something to suit all tastes. Hosting shows by both up-and-coming amateur troupes and experienced professional theatre companies,

St Bride Foundation sees a wide variety of performances and performers, from magic shows to pantomime and musical to ballet. Its popular Lunchbox Theatre entertains the local community with 45-minute renditions suited perfectly to the business luncheon hour.

Situated next to our theatre is the Bridewell Bar, serving drinks into the small hours and hosting various music and networking events throughout the year, as well as being home to a gallery featuring artists and photographers.