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80+ venues

History

London's Unique Venues, Representing The Capital

Unique Venues of London (UVL) was established in 1993, initiated by the Natural History Museum, as a membership organisation of 18 unique and specialist properties within the capital. The organisation was launched to showcase and celebrate London's diverse venue scene, while offering valuable problem sharing and networking opportunities to the industry.

Unique Venues of London was first launched as The Independent Association of Function Venues, but as membership grew the name was changed to reflect the broadening range of unique venues within the organisation.

With a wide selection and range of venues from across the industry, the organisation is in an excellent position to comment on market trends and other issues on behalf of both its members and all London based venues.

Since its launch, Unique Venues of London has continued to grow in stature and recognition, expanding its membership base while still maintaining a strict selection process, ensuring the integrity of the organisation. UVL has also catered for the wide variety of unique venues within the capital. The membership cost is judged on the businesses turnover, rather than a flat fee, this way any unique venue can be considered for membership, regardless of size and location.

Current membership stands at over 80 venues.

Notes to editors

A History of Unique Venues of London

1993 Unique Venues of London launches under the name 'Independent Association of Functions Venues' with a starting membership of 18 venues

1994 The British Tourist Authority recognises and supports the group

1995 The association changes name to become Unique Venues of London

1996 UVL receives strategic support from Visit London, leading to further support from VisitBritain

1997 The first UVL brochure is officially launched at Tower Bridge

1998 Incorporated as a company

1999 The London Mayors Office and Ken Livingstone add their support for the organisation

2002 UVL breaks the fifty member barrier

2003 Unique Venues of London celebrates 10 years

2004 The National Army Museum, The Horniman Museum, Dali Universe, The Royal Academy of Arts and The Royal Naval College all join UVL. Membership now stands at a comprehensive 56

2004 UVL launches a new website and brochure that gives users more detailed information on each member and help them refine their search for the right venue for their event

2005 New venues enter into the organisation including; Royal Opera House, Vinopolis, HMS Belfast.

2005 Ian Fraser retires as Chairman of UVL.

2006 Charlotte Reeves voted new Chairman and Lisa Hatswell as Vice Chairman by members. Membership of UVL now stands at 63.

2007 The new website is launched at the start of the year. In August Lisa Hatswell becomes the acting Chairman as Charlotte Reeves retires and Moya Maxwell becomes acting Vice Chairman.

2008 Lisa Hatswell voted new Chairman and Moya Maxwell as Vice Chairman by members. Membership of UVL now stands at 68.

2011 Lisa Hatswell resigns as Chairman in August. Moya Maxwell becomes the acting Chairman and Colin Davidson becomes acting Vice Chairman

2011 Lisa Hatswell becomes General Manager of Unique Venues of London.

2012 Moya Maxwell becomes Chairman and Colin Davidson as Vice Chairman.

2014 UVL turns 21 and launches new brand and website

2014 Colin Davidson becomes Finance Director and Sam Owen becomes Vice Chairman

2016 Moya Maxwell and Sam Owen resign as Chairman and Vice Chairman in April

2016 Colin Davidson resigns as Finance Director at the end of December.

2017 In January Lisa Hatswell becomes Managing Director and Chris Stallworthy becomes Finance Director along with Charlotte Reeves as Strategy Director

2018 The House of Commons, Sadler’s Wells, Borough Market and The Postal Museum joins Unique Venues of London

2018 Unique Venues of London celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a party at the Guildhall

2019 No.4 Hamilton Place and One Birdcage Walk join Unique Venues of London

2020 No.11 Cavendish Square joins the association

2021 Royal College of Music joins UVL

2022 Museum of London Docklands, St Martin in the Fields, Roundhouse rejoin UVL and the association also welcomes The Courtauld Gallery

2023 UVL celebrated it's 30th Anniversary and welcomed the following member venues - Bishopsgate Institute, Mansion House, Frameless, English National Ballet, Camley Natural Park and the National Portrait Gallery re-joined.

2024 Chelsea Physic Gardens, Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery and the Young V&A join in January.

Managing Director

Mrs Lisa Hatswell 
07808 646657
lisa.hatswell@uniquevenuesoflondon.co.uk

Company Secretary

Natacha Allen
RCP Events London

Strategy Director

Mrs Charlotte Reeves
 

Board Members

Mrs Jenny Freestone - Somerset House

Ms Jo Jennings - Historic Royal Palaces

Ms Diana West - Wellcome Collection

Ms Francesca Stracqualursi - Museum of Brands

Ms Sarah Weller - Hampton Court Palace

Ms Sophie Linin - Royal Museums Greenwich

For further information/images please contact:

news@uniquevenuesoflondon.co.uk