The Burlington Magazine Foundation
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £16,500+ (based on known prizes and scholarships)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: 2-3 months
- Grant Range: £1,000 - £12,000
- Geographic Focus: International
Contact Details
- Website: https://www.burlington.org.uk/
- Phone: 020 7388 1228
- Email: burlington@burlington.org.uk
- Scholarship enquiries: scholarships@burlington.org.uk
Overview
The Burlington Magazine Foundation is a UK Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity Number: 1187286) that owns The Burlington Magazine Publications Limited, which publishes The Burlington Magazine - the world's leading monthly journal devoted to art of all ages and media. Founded in 1903, the Foundation operates as a non-profit enterprise with a primary purpose to support and promote new research in art history by both established and emerging scholars. The Foundation awards multiple annual scholarships and prizes totaling over £16,500 to support art historical research, writing, and scholarship globally, with a particular focus on object-based research that aligns with the Magazine's publication standards.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Burlington Magazine Scholarship for French 18th-century Fine and Decorative Art: £12,000 (annual, single recipient)
- Application method: Annual competition with March 31 deadline
- Burlington Contemporary Art Writing Prize: £1,000 (annual)
- Application method: Annual competition, funded by the Thistle Trust
- Burlington Magazine Prize for Southern Netherlandish Art 1400-1800: £1,000 (annual)
- Application method: Annual competition in partnership with University of Cambridge
- Prize for Writing on Sculpture: £2,500 (annual)
- Application method: Annual competition with May 4 deadline
- Rick Mather David Scrase Travel Bursaries: £2,000-£3,500 (multiple awards)
- Application method: Annual competition with February 1 deadline
Priority Areas
- Art historical research across all periods and media
- French 18th-century fine and decorative art
- Contemporary art criticism and writing
- Southern Netherlandish art (1400-1800)
- Sculpture scholarship (Renaissance to 1900)
- Old master drawings research
- Object-based scholarship suitable for publication
What They Don't Fund
- Conference or workshop attendance costs
- Computer equipment (unless essential and justified)
- Staff costs or personal salary payments
- Membership fees to associations
- General journal subscriptions
- Research outside art history
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Governance and Leadership
The Foundation operates as the parent organization of The Burlington Magazine Publications Limited. The scholarship selection panel is chaired by Christoph Vogtherr, General Director of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg and former Director of the Wallace Collection, London. Prize judges have included prominent figures such as Hito Steyerl, Dawn Ades, Griselda Pollock, and other leading art historians and artists.
How to Apply to The Burlington Magazine Foundation
How to Apply
Applications are submitted via email to designated addresses for each program:
- French 18th-century scholarship: scholarships@burlington.org.uk
- Sculpture Prize: sculptureprize@burlington.org.uk
- Travel Bursaries: scholarships@burlington.org.uk
- Writing prizes: Through the Burlington Contemporary website
Required materials typically include:
- CV
- Research proposal or article submission
- Budget (for scholarships requiring funding plans)
- Supporting documentation as specified per program
Decision Timeline
- Application to decision: 8-12 weeks typically
- French 18th-century scholarship: Apply by March 31, notification by May 29
- Sculpture Prize: Apply by May 4
- Travel Bursaries: Apply by February 1
- Notification via email to successful candidates
Success Rates
Not publicly disclosed, but programs indicate single recipients for major scholarships and multiple recipients for travel bursaries.
Reapplication Policy
No restrictions mentioned on reapplication; unsuccessful candidates appear able to reapply in subsequent years.
Application Success Factors
Based on the Foundation's stated preferences and past awards:
- Focus on object-related research that could lead to publication in The Burlington Magazine
- Demonstrate clear research objectives aligned with the Magazine's scholarly standards
- For the French scholarship, the panel specifically seeks “object related research, of the kind that the Burlington publishes”
- Early career scholars are particularly encouraged for several programs (defined as within 15 years of most recent post-graduate degree)
- International applicants are welcome for all programs
- Clear, well-written proposals in English are essential
- Strong academic credentials and clear research methodology
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The Foundation exclusively funds art historical research and writing - ensure your project clearly fits this remit
- Object-based scholarship is strongly preferred over theoretical approaches
- Publication potential in The Burlington Magazine enhances applications
- Early career researchers have dedicated opportunities through multiple programs
- International applications are welcomed, but all materials must be in English
- Budget justifications must be detailed and aligned with eligible costs
- Multiple smaller grants available alongside the flagship £12,000 scholarship
Similar Funders
These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:
- The Company Of Arts Scholars Charitable Trust
- The Elephant Trust
- The De Laszlo Foundation
- The Freelands Foundation Limited
- Sarabande
- The Ruddock Foundation For The Arts
- Historic Houses Foundation
- Thriplow Charitable Trust
- Maria Bjornson Memorial Fund
- The Fidelio Charitable Trust
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References
- The Burlington Magazine website - About the Magazine section (https://www.burlington.org.uk/about-us/about-the-magazine) -
- The Burlington Magazine Jobs & Noticeboard - Academic Noticeboard (https://www.burlington.org.uk/jobs-noticeboard/academic-noticeboard) -
- Burlington Contemporary Writing Prize page (https://www.burlington.org.uk/jobs-noticeboard/contemporary-art-writing-prize) -
- Burlington Contemporary website (https://contemporary.burlington.org.uk/) -
- UK Charity Commission Register entry for The Burlington Magazine Foundation (Charity Number 1187286)
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