About us
The Iran Society is a UK-based organisation dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Iran’s rich cultural, historical, and artistic heritage. Established with the mission to bridge the gap between Iran and the Western world, the Society serves as a platform for cultural exchange, dialogue, and scholarly research. Through our programme of lectures, and our publications, we aim to highlight the diverse aspects of Iranian civilisation, from its ancient past to its vibrant present.
The Iran Society offers its members the opportunity for learning and connection. Our community includes scholars, historians, artists, students, and enthusiasts with an interest in all aspects of Iranian culture, from Persian literature and art, to its history and architecture. About half of our members are Iranian.
Membership
We have a diverse community of members, different in many ways but all sharing a keen interest in Iran’s cultural, historical and artistic heritage. We keep our membership fee affordable, especially for students, who we encourage to join in order to benefit from all the community and all the resources we offer. Choose one of the options below to join the Iran Society, or get in touch with any questions.
Individual
£25 per year
Joint
£30 per year
Student
£5 per year
Corporate
£100 per year
History of the Iran Society
The Persia Society was founded in 1911 but wound up in 1929. Its successor, The Iran Society, came into being in 1935. Between them, these two societies have spanned most of the twentieth century and a variety of phases in Anglo-Iranian relations. The fact that our aims have been strictly non-political has no doubt helped us to survive in periods of difficulty. Our aims are essentially cultural: to bring together those interested in Iran’s history and culture by means of lectures and occasional publications, to spread knowledge and understanding of Persian culture in the UK and thus to contribute to Anglo-Iranian understanding and friendship.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the late Sir Denis Wright, who died in 2005, for researching and writing this history. Sir Denis played a key role in the Society’s affairs. Following his retirement from the Diplomatic Service after eight years as Ambassador in Tehran, he was Chairman of the Society from 1976-1979, President 1989-1995 and for the rest of his life remained an invaluable source of guidance to the Society’s officers. He is sorely missed.
This work not only helps to spread knowledge of the Society’s past but will be a useful guide for us in the twenty-first century, when I am confident that the Society will continue to be a bridge between two cultures, with benefits for all who are interested in Persian history, literature and art.
~ the late Lord Temple-Morris
Former President of the Iran Society
November 2006
Governance
The Iran Society is a registered educational charity, governed by trustees and an advisory council.
Click below to find out more about our structure, processes and council members.
Travel Grants
We provide occasional travel grants to students or researchers associated with British institutions for support for overseas Persian language study, research projects, cultural activities and books on subjects relating to Iran.
Associated Links
Arthur Probsthain Booksellers
Arthur Probsthain has been one of the world’s leading specialist booksellers in the Oriental and African field for over a hundred years. We specialise in books on art, architecture, music, film, language, religion, literature, travel and current affairs.
The British Institute of Persian Studies are an academic body founded in 1961, associated with an financially supported by the British Academy. They promote scholarship and research in all aspects of Iranian Studies.
British Institute of Persian Studies
The British Institute of Persian Studies are an academic body founded in 1961, associated with an financially supported by the British Academy. They promote scholarship and research in all aspects of Iranian Studies.
British Iranian Chamber of Commerce
The British-Iranian Chamber of Commerce (BICC) will be of interest to anyone involved in the economic relationship between the UK and Iran.
The Brunei Gallery
The Galleries, within The Brunei Gallery building, host a programme of changing exhibitions that reflect subjects and regions studied at the School. They are both a student resource and a public facility, being part of the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London), Europe’s leading centre for the study of Asia and Africa.
Carolinda Tolstoy
Potter, painter, romancer, artificer and crafter of pageants, pots, palaces, fabrics, tiles and abstract sculptures of glistening clay. Carolinda Tolstoy’s work recreates the techniques of Turkish Iznik and Persian Safavid cultures for purposes that are entirely contemporary, individual and creative.
Janet Rady Fine Art
Based in London, and with twenty years’ experience of the International Art Market, Janet Rady Fine Art offers specialist, confidential, advisory services in all aspects of purchasing and selling Contemporary Middle Eastern art, as well as organising art transport and insurance for clients.
London Middle East Institute
The London Middle East Institute, SOAS, (LMEI) is a charitable organisation whose aim, through education and research, is to promote knowledge of all aspects of the Middle East both among the general public and with those who have special interest in the region. The Institute serves as a neutral forum for the consideration of issues concerning the region and draws upon the resources of London and SOAS to provide teaching, training, research, publication, consultancy, outreach and other services related to the Middle East.
ShahreFarang
ShahreFarang is the Iranian version of peep boxes, a form of entertainment provided by wandering showmen. Shahre Farang were made of metal in the shape of an oriental castle with several holes. ShahreFarang.com is hoping to bring you visual treats.
Eric Lafforgue Gallery
A collection of spectacular photographs of ceilings in Iran.
