Our centenary
A century old, a century young
Every Londoner can find their cultural expression at City Lit. You can try something new, rediscover past passions, learn new skills, keep active, change career or bring some balance to a busy life. Our centenary celebrated our community of students, staff and partners. September 2019 marked 100 years since we opened our doors. Throughout the whole of 2019, we are celebrated with a collection of special events and activities, both at City Lit and across the city.
“The quest for knowledge, understanding and opportunities for creative expression…the most joyous and exhilarating enterprise in which a human being can engage.” Former Principal, T.G. Williams, on one of the guiding principles of City Lit, 1960.
- ‘The City Literary Institute’ opened in Fetter Lane in the City of London with 180 students in September 1919.
- Following the opening in 1919 - soldiers with acquired hearing loss from the First World War attended lip-reading classes
- In 1939 City Lit moved to its first purpose-built home in Stukeley Street, off Drury Lane. The new building was officially opened by the then Poet Laureate, John Masefield.
- Second World War - City Lit never closed its doors in the war; during the Blitz on London classes were held in air raid shelters and music on tube platform. One intrepid tutor even wheeled a piano underground for recitals.
- 2005 - City Lit moves to its purpose-built home here in Keeley Street
- More information on the history of City Lit
City Lit Stories
A career with Royal Mail and in Human resources equipped Sovel with great interpersonal skills. Mastering her natural poetic voice during several writing and speech courses at City Lit, she has recently signed a publishing deal with That Guy's House.
Laura recalls her memories of 1970s London. Her relationship with City Lit whilst working an an au pair, looking after young children and learning English for the first time.
'Hearing that the City Lit celebrates its centenary in 2019 put me in mind that I have been attending classes there on and off for over 50 years, half of its existence! Mainly in the music department.'
City Lit bursary recipient Angela Tulloch shares her experiences; 'City Lit has been and still is a life saver, it is a powerful, positive tranformation place for me. This opportunity has allowed my soul to sing because I am actually doing what makes me free and happy.'
Ilyaas Cader
llyaas travelled from Sri Lanka, surviving an incredible journey across Europe, to join his brother in London. He went on to study English at City Lit and now works as a Senior Deaf Children’s Mental Health Worker.
Russell's connection to City Lit spans three decades, from studying British Sign Language at he age of 19 to becoming a fully qualified British Sign Language/English Interpreter at City Lit and beyond.
Sonia designed the 4th floor roof terrace garden in 2012 and works at our reception. She designed a green space, user friendly to humans and insects and a tranquil quiet haven to enjoy a break during your stay at City Lit.
Marsha Dunstan
I am hugely grateful to City Lit for giving me so many of the tools to change my life. Thanks to City Lit, I went on to gain a BA and MA in fine art. I now earn my living through a combination of writing, editing and art-based courses.
Lucy and Dave met at a Photography taster course at the Visual Arts Open Day, by the end of the day they had arranged a date, went on to marry and start a family with the arrival of baby 'Gene'. Lucy Wilson; "We are firm believers in trying new things - you never know what might happen.”
'Before I visited City Lit, I looked through what you do here and the lives you help transform, it was such a privilege to hear some of the stories of those impacted by such opportunity, I was overwhelmed. What an extraordinary gift to the community, and to this wonderful city'.
Jack decided to take early retirement and started looking for massage therapy courses in London after deciding the quiet life wasn't for him...Jack is now a fully qualified massage therapist and a professional member of the CThA, and the owner of Holmas massage.
Malorie Blackman OBE has a long connection with City Lit as a former student attending diverse courses with us since the late 1980s. Having written over fifty books, Malorie is acknowledged as one of today's most imaginative and successfull writer for young readers.
Lucille discovered her passion for ceramics on the course following her hugely successful career in fashion and retailing (selling the Whistles business in 2002).
Discover how City Lit courses provide inspiration and substance in Penelope’s retirement, and her general view of City Lit after being a student here for a number of years. Having taken over 15 courses, City Lit plays an enormous role in her daily life.
Annemarie O'Sullivan started as a basketry student and is now a City Lit basketry tutor and basketmaker. She makes a range of small scale domestic work through to large scale installations and sculptural work. Her work has been featured in The New York Times and Country Living UK.
Farrah Idris is a fully qualified, practising complementary therapist, working in the oldest established hospice in London. She specialises in clinical therapies with end of life patients, and is also a tutor in massage (ITEC) at City Lit and hypnotherapist in training.
David has lived with a stammer since childhood, but it was only after taking a stammering course at City Lit that he managed to build his confidence speaking in public situations and deliver his wedding speech.
Judith Pearson recounts her first experiences of City Lit. Describing a 6am queue to book a creative writing course and a surprise journey into adult education, completing hundreds of writing and drama courses along the way.
Mary Hurworth, an art student at City Lit for over 25 years, left a gift in her will, Mary has made sure that others have the same opportunity to follow new pathways in art with the development of the Digital and Design Lab on the fourth floor.
View more student stories from City Lit here
Over 25,000 Londoners enjoy a course at City Lit each year, some looking to change career or embark on a new challenge, and others to learn something new and have fun while exploring a new interest. Read about some of our students here...