The Keats House Consultative Committee met on Thursday, 29 October 2026, to review achievements at Keats House and discuss future plans. Key discussions included the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the Keats House site, particularly the visitor entrance and perimeter, and the progress of digital connectivity upgrades.

Achievements at Keats House (April - September 2026)

Rob Shakespeare, Head of Heritage & Museums, presented a report detailing the achievements at Keats House between April and September 2026. The period saw the continuation of the exhibition 'The Nightingale Suite' by artist Martin Huxter, which aimed to visualise the song of the nightingale for those unable to hear it. This exhibition, like most at Keats House, was included with general admission due to accessibility issues with the first-floor exhibition gallery in the Grade I listed building.

The events programme remained popular, with highlights including a performance of classical Indian music by Shoda Bangla and a third-party children's trail. Keats House also hosted artist-led workshops and successful open days aimed at families with younger children. A new series of talks, supported and curated by the Keats Foundation, featured established authors discussing their work.

Formal learning sessions continued to be a strong part of Keats House's offering, with good repeat visits from schools. The Summer School 2026, focused on creative writing, was well-attended despite the hot weather. A significant project, funded by the City Corporation's Cultural and Creative Learning Fund, involved a partnership with the London Symphony Orchestra to develop songs and performances based on visits to Keats House. A celebratory event showcasing these outputs is planned.

Volunteer engagement remained strong, with volunteers providing tours, poetry readings, and crucial collections care. One volunteer, in particular, was highlighted for her extensive support, including collections care and front-of-house duties. The report noted that while the individual numbers of volunteers might seem small, their impact is significant.

Visitor numbers for the period were 4,965, a slight decrease from the previous year, which was attributed to the centenary celebrations. However, this figure was considered a relatively small reduction given the overall economic landscape. The report also highlighted the ongoing restoration work on the veranda, including its timber trellis and copper-clad roof, as well as the refurbishment of the conservatory. Significant, though less visible, work was also undertaken on underground drainage.

Looking ahead, the next exhibition, A New Life by French artist Evelyn, featuring embroidery on vintage linen based on Keats quotes, was scheduled to open in late November. Discussions also focused on planned improvements to the visitor entrance and street perimeter, with a need for a clear steer from the committee on whether to progress with this project, acknowledging that funding would be a key consideration.

The report also mentioned the support provided to a graduate management trainee who assisted with developing key policies for the museum accreditation application. The retirement of a long-serving officer, described as Mr. Keats House, was noted, with hopes that he will continue to contribute his knowledge. The upcoming launch of the online collections was also highlighted as a significant development for public research and engagement.

Visitor Experience and Site Security

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the condition of the site's perimeter fencing and the issue of rough sleepers. Committee members expressed concern about the deteriorating state of the fence, with one member noting that the existing structure was falling to bits and not fit for purpose. Rob Shakespeare acknowledged these concerns, explaining that while urgent remedial work had been done, including replacing gate posts and locks, the fence itself was in poor condition. He noted that replacing the fence was part of the planned improvements to the visitor entrance and perimeter, but this was a longer-term project.

The issue of rough sleepers on the site was also raised, with members expressing concern about security and safety, particularly for children. Rob Shakespeare confirmed he had spoken with a rough sleeper who was using the site, emphasizing the individual's politeness and respectfulness. He acknowledged the difficulty in turning individuals away and the need for engagement with support services. The possibility of perimeter CCTV was discussed as a deterrent and a means of monitoring the site.

Concerns were also raised about the security lighting, which was timed to switch off at 9 pm for neighbourly relations, and the potential for motion sensors to deter unwanted activity. The question of whether rough sleepers had access to toilet facilities was also raised, with the current practice being that they are locked overnight but opened in the morning.

Digital Connectivity and Future Plans

The committee also discussed the need for improved digital connectivity, specifically the lack of fibre optic connections for both Keats House and the library. It was noted that renewing broadband contracts now requires fibre, and that upgrading these in a listed building is complex. Rob Shakespeare confirmed that a project is underway within the City of London Corporation to upgrade digital connectivity across its sites, and Keats House is part of this programme. He assured the committee that they were protected against any imminent cut-off dates for copper wire systems.

The committee provided a strong steer in favour of progressing with the planned improvements to the visitor entrance and perimeter fencing. Members acknowledged the importance of the site's external appearance in setting expectations for visitors and agreed that the current state of the fence was detrimental. They expressed full support for Rob Shakespeare to move forward with this project, recognizing the time it would take and the need to explore various funding streams, including potential corporate sponsorship.

Other Matters

Discussions also touched upon the possibility of a furniture sharing or recycling scheme for library furniture, with the recommendation being to utilise local authority schemes. The use of social media platforms was reviewed, with a consensus that Instagram and Facebook were the most impactful for Keats House, although LinkedIn would be considered for specific initiatives. The committee also discussed the potential installation of a water fountain, acknowledging the need for maintenance and cleanliness, with an indoor option in the foyer being considered. The progress towards Museum Accreditation was also discussed, with the Arts Council England revising its scheme. The launch of the online collections was confirmed, with a phased approach to publishing items. The committee also discussed the potential reintroduction of Saturday openings and the recruitment of a visitor services officer.

The next meeting of the Keats House Consultative Committee was scheduled for 7 May 2027 at Keats House.