MAGIC LANTERN
Magic Lantern runs interactive art history workshops in schools and a range of adult groups including prisons, homeless centres and hospices. We show that anyone can understand and enjoy art. We also show how art can enhance and bring to life any curriculum subject or topic and can help develop a range of life skills including problem solving, critical thinking, communication and confidence.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity achieved a net surplus of £8,846 for the year ended 31 March 2025, with total unrestricted reserves of £32,549. The trustees report that the charity relies entirely on donations and school fees, having received no public funding, and maintains a reserves policy to ensure sufficient funds for ongoing operations. Per the independent examiner's report, no matters came to attention that would hinder a proper understanding of the accounts.
What the accounts disclose
“The Charity’s reserve policy is to maintain sufficient reserves to enable operating activities to be maintained, taking account of potential risks that may arise from time to time.” — page 6
Property (HM Land Registry)
Trustees
- Nicholas Walkerchair
- Allison Murdoch
- Claire Benjamin
- Josepha Sanna
- Matthew Sanders
- Namitha Aravind
- Rosalind Louise Godber
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £60k | £51k |
| 31/03/2024 | £39k | £41k |
| 31/03/2023 | £49k | £36k |
| 31/03/2022 | £31k | £43k |
| 31/03/2021 | £42k | £27k |
Common questions
Is MAGIC LANTERN financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity achieved a net surplus of £8,846 for the year ended 31 March 2025, with total unrestricted reserves of £32,549. The trustees report that the charity relies entirely on donations and school fees, having received no public funding, and maintains a reserves policy to ensure sufficient funds for ongoing operations. Per the independent examiner's report, no matters came to attention that would hinder a proper understanding of the accounts. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds MAGIC LANTERN?
Funders whose own accounts filings name MAGIC LANTERN as a grant recipient include BERNARD LEWIS FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST, THE COMPANY OF ARTS SCHOLARS CHARITABLE TRUST, DIDYMUS, THE GROCERS' CHARITY, OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BERNARD LEWIS FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2024 | £1.0m | Educational funding |
| THE COMPANY OF ARTS SCHOLARS CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2023 | £4k | Not specified in list |
| DIDYMUS | FY2022 | £4k | |
| THE COMPANY OF ARTS SCHOLARS CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2025 | £4k | |
| THE COMPANY OF ARTS SCHOLARS CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2024 | £4k | Education |
| THE GROCERS' CHARITY | FY2025 | £3k | Arts & Heritage |
| THE COMPANY OF ARTS SCHOLARS CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2022 | £3k | Grant funding of activities |
| OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST | FY2025 | £2k | |
| Newcomen Collett Educational Foundation | FY2025 | £2k | Grant to Organisation |
| Newcomen Collett Educational Foundation | FY2024 | £2k | Grant |
| Newcomen Collett Educational Foundation | FY2024 | £2k | Grant |
| Newcomen Collett Educational Foundation | FY2023 | £2k | School Uniform/General |
| Newcomen Collett Educational Foundation | FY2025 | £1k | Grant to Organisation |
| THE AUSTIN AND HOPE PILKINGTON TRUST | FY2022 | £1k | Quarterly Grants for Institutions - Round Three - The Arts - BAME Communities |
| THE JOHN THAW FOUNDATION | FY2026 | £1k | |
| THE WOODWARD CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2023 | £750 |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 24/11/1999 | £5k | "This group gives slide presentations of paintings displayed in London galleries together with a demonstration of artist materials to groups" |