Magic Lantern (charity)

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Magic Lantern is a charity in the United Kingdom that makes art history fun and easy to understand. It was started in 1994 by retired teacher Diana Schomberg with a grant from Marks and Spencer. The charity runs interactive art history workshops in schools across England and also works with adult groups in places like prisons, hospices and homeless centres so more people can enjoy art.

Over the years, Magic Lantern has had many sponsors, including The Arts Society and several foundations. In 2010, Matthew Sanders became the director. The charity has taken part in notable events, such as pop-up family workshops in Trafalgar Square in 2013 for Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, and hospital workshops in 2016 about “Feelings.” In 2018, workshops were run for refugees in Newcastle, and a HENI Talks film highlighted the charity at Holmleigh Primary School.

As of September 2022, Magic Lantern had around 10 workshop leaders and 6 trustees, working in many parts of England and in Cyprus. The charity has had several patrons, including William Vaughan (appointed 2013), James Mayhew (2014), Bill Murray (2019) and Dr Janina Ramirez (2020). It has been recognised with awards, such as the Inspire Mark in 2011 for an Olympic-themed workshop, and a JM Barrie Members’ Award in 2019 for 25 years of helping people observe and think creatively about art.