During the summer of 2019, the Royal College of Music ran its successful Make an Entrance Appeal to fund the revitalisation of our historic Blomfield Building's grand entrance. Thanks to the generosity of 178 kind donors, who collectively donated £75,639, we now proudly welcome visitors into spectacular new Entrance and Foyer Halls.
We are delighted that one third of the Appeal's supporters were inspired to donate to the RCM for the very first time. Philanthropy came from all quarters, with donors aged 27-100 and many RCM alumni offering their support. In addition to one-off donations, a number of donors established regular gifts, which are especially valuable to us as we plan for the years ahead.
The entrance renovation is an important part of our More Music: Reimagining the Royal College of Music Campaign, which represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our facilities for the future. The Campaign continues, with new facilities being prepared at great pace.
Supporters and staff at the launch event in the newly remodeled Foyer Hall
The newly renovated Entrance Hall
The damaged floor mosaic in 2019 before refurbishment
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The RCM's Entrance Hall in 2019, before renovation
The newly refurbished floor mosaic and Entrance Hall
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The Entrance Hall in the 1920s
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The Entrance Hall in 1990
Edward Fox, great-grandson of Samson Fox, original benefactor of the Blomfield Building, at the opening celebration
Harpist Stefania Lo Castro performing at the opening event for supporters
The new front door to the RCM
A Royal College of Music for everyone
Over the last two centuries, countless numbers have crossed the threshold of the Royal College of Music’s iconic Blomfield Building, entering a place where musical excellence is nurtured to the highest level. Among them have been world-famous musicians, gifted students, music lovers and inspiring educators.
Throughout the Make an Entrance Appeal we used social media to share your stories of the first time you entered the RCM. Using #RCMMakeAnEntrance, we heard from visitors, graduates, students and professors, who reminisced about beginning their journeys with us, making their entrance for the very first time.
'Coming to the Royal College of Music was always a dream for me and when I visited in 2013 it felt like I had won the lottery. In September 2019 I joined as a doctoral student!'
Jorge Ramos, RCM composer
'One of the best bits when I was a student was the old lodge built into the right hand corner - a little kiosk with Ken the Porter inside. He was the kindest man who knew every student by name.'
Martyn Hill, RCM alumnus
'The first time my son James and I entered the RCM was in August 2011 for a Sparks workshop. We dreamt that one day he might join the RCM Junior Department and 24 months later the dream came true!'
Michela Cocolin, mum to James, RCMJD student
'On the morning of 14 September 2013 my son Nathan arrived at the RCM to start the Mini Bass course at the Junior Department. His life was about to change. We'll always be grateful to the JD.'
Nick Perry, dad to Nathan, RCMJD alumnus
'I remember feeling so inspired by the Blomfield building, its incredible history and the teachers who took my playing to a new level. Who would have guessed that I’d work for the RCM 10 years later!'
Emma Adlard, RCM Head of Philanthropy
'I first came to the RCM in 1990 and I have worked here ever since. What I remember most is Maxine on Reception. She knows everybody and really cares about the College and the people in it.'
Jools Osbourne, RCM Head of Costume
'What really makes the entrance at the RCM is the friendly security staff. No matter what, they are always in a good mood. It's a lovely start to the day.'
Nikki Moosavi, RCM cello student
'I started teaching Speech lessons for first year students in the Opera School. This was the start of my walking up the steps of the handsome Victorian building. I never ceased to feel a thrill.'
Catherine Lambert, former RCM teacher
'My son went to his first RCM Sparks course in summer 2012. He loved it and has jumped at every opportunity since. Now aged 16 he has just joined the RCM Junior Department studying piano and cello.'
Lisa Laver, mum to Marcus, RCMJD student
The RCM Entrance Hall and Foyer Hall have been in constant use for more than 125 years. Thanks to the support of our generous donors we have transformed these spaces, making them more open, welcoming and accessible so that everyone can participate in the rich musical life of the RCM.
The transformation included:
- Preservation of our celebrated mosaic floor
- New handrails for improved accessibility
- New Box Office
- New Reception desk
- Better access for all
Make an Entrance: A message from the Director
A special message from Professor Colin Lawson, RCM Director since 2005. Thank you to everyone who has supported us!
Your support made this possible
Thank you to everyone who joined us in preserving our heritage and paving the way for better access to more music. Every donation to the Make an Entrance Appeal helped us achieve our ambitious vision and will continue to inspire musicians and music lovers for generations to come.
Our supporters
You can still help to secure the future of music
Our More Music Campaign has now raised £21.5m of our £25m building development target. We are still warmly welcoming support as we enter the final stretch of the Campaign.
This is a unique opportunity to join us in developing the RCM's facilities for generations to come and to help us further enhance the rich cultural life that we share with our students, donors, audiences and music lovers everywhere.
Support the More Music Campaign
'A welcoming space that showcases the College’s proud history and remarkable talent is essential for inspiring
the next generation of musicians.'
Madison Hallworth, Master of Performance student
‘Your generosity provides our students with the opportunities they need for success as world-class musicians. Thank you for your support.’
Geoffrey Richards HonRCM, Chairman of the More Music Campaign
