Your Questions Answered

The Academy's aim is to create an inspiring, informative yet relaxed environment where lecturers, members and their guests can enjoy a learning and social experience around a series of lectures and courses drawn from all areas of the arts and science.

The Academy will draw on most subject matters from the arts, culture, science, politics and current affairs. If there is a subject that is worthy of a lecture or debate, the Academy will consider it.

The Academy was founded by Martin Miller, who also founded Miller's Antiques Guides, Miller's Residence in Notting Hill and the award-winning Miller's Gin. Well known for his low threshold of boredom, Martin believes the Academy will offer a great way to feed mind, body and spirit.

The ticket price of £50 (for non-members) and £30 (for members) covers the lecture fees and Q and A session. Light refreshments will be provided free of charge. Prices are for non-members and for members.

Anyone can attend lectures without having joined or paid the subscription and joining fee. Only the lecture ticket is required. In order to attend any further lectures or events, membership is required or you may be invited by an existing member.

The Academy is located at the corner of Westbourne Grove and Hereford Road in W2. The entrance is at 28a Hereford Road. The Academy is located on two floors with a dedicated lecture forum and a separate sumptuous salon and library.

There will be a series of special members only nights. On these occasions members may bring only ONE guest. There will also be a number of free members evenings every year.

The Academy Rooms are available for hire for arts, cultural and education related events. The Academy Rooms can be hired by members for private social functions. Nearby, Miller's Residence can accommodate up to 40 people for private functions and party [Millers Residence - www.millersuk.com].

The Academy's rooms can be booked for meetings during the day and for events in the evenings when no Academy events are being held. Please contact the Academy for terms and conditions.

Lecture and course tickets must be booked and bought online prior to the event. Only in exceptional circumstances can payment be made at the door on the night.

The Academy will invite a small number of leading artists, scientists and personalities to become Fellows. Fellows will be asked to assist in developing and maintaining Academy's creative direction, overall standards and suggest both lecture subjects and lecturers. Each Fellow will be invited to hold a lecture or relevant event during any two-year period.

Members are invited to propose subjects, lecturers, speakers and course subjects.

Yes, any member can bring up to three guests to any event at £50 per guest.

If the doors of The Academy are shut, then go through the side entrance.

If a member cancels 7 days prior to the event, a full refund will be offered. Between 7 days and up to 24 hours before the lecture the ticket can be re-issued for another lecture of their choice. Cancellation less than 24 hours before the event will result in the ticket price being forfeited, but can be transfered.

The Academy management will do its best to find a suitable replacement for any lecturer who does not show up on the evening but who was confirmed to speak. However, the Academy cannot be held responsible for any lecturer no-show. If a cancellation does occur prior to the actual scheduled day of the event the Academy will endeavour to find a suitable alternative date. Members and guests can request a refund or re-issue of ticket for other available event.

The Academy will welcome suggestions for lecture subjects and lecturers but will not host lectures arranged by others.

Member details will be kept confidential unless they wish to be on the members website.

There will be no corporate membership.

The Academy Rooms will not be available for hire for private parties.

Members and their guests will be allowed to smoke until smoking ban commences mid 2007. In the interim smokers will be asked to be considerate of other members.

Mobile phones can be used in the Upper Lobby and in the staircases but not in the two main Rooms.

The Academy will wrap up at about 10:30 pm with everyone to have vacated by 11:00 pm.

There will be no dress code at the Academy. Particularly well-dressed members or guests will however no doubt be complimented.

All spaces in the Salon are available on a first come first served basis.