Linkedin

A Night to Remember: Fondation de France UK’s Inaugural Gala

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Fondation de France UK hosted its first Gala at the National Gallery in London, marking a defining moment in the foundation’s commitment to Franco-British philanthropic cooperation. The event gathered changemakers from the fields of science & research, relief of disability and culture & education, united by a shared dedication to advancing impactful initiatives across borders.

Comité d’honneur

To reflect the depth and diversity of the causes supported, Fondation de France UK assembled a Comité d’Honneur of prominent figures from the worlds of arts, culture, science, and sport. Their involvement highlighted the Gala’s central purpose: to amplify the voices behind transformative projects and foster long-term collaboration between France and the UK.

  • Her Excellency Hélène Duchêne – French Ambassador to the United Kingdom
  • Serge Betsen & Jonny Wilkinson – Rugby players
  • Darren Edwards – Adaptive adventurer
  • The Baroness Fleet CBE – Chair of the London Music Fund
  • Guillaume Gallienne –Sociétaire of the Comédie-Française
  • David Hockney – Artist
  • Michaël Jérémiasz – Paralympic gold medallist
  • Jean Lemierre – Chair of the Board of BNP Paribas
  • Huw Montague Rendall – Baritone
  • Professor Arnold Munnich – Chair of Fondation Institut Imagine
  • Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones KBE – Former CEO of L’Oréal
  • His Imperial Highness The Prince Napoleon
  • Pierre Sellal – French Ambassador; Chair of Fondation de France
  • The Lord Ricketts GCMG GCVO – Chair of the Franco-British Council in the United Kingdom
  • Professor Lord Tarassenko CBE FREng FMedSci – Chair of the Oxford Committee of the Maison Française d’Oxford
  • Dominic West – Actor
  • Andrew S. Yuen, Baron of Aveley – Ambassador of Fondation de France Asia

Strengthening Ties Across the Channel

Currently in the process of registration with the Charity Commission for England & Wales, Fondation de France UK will operate as an independent British charity. Its mission is to fund cross-border initiatives in various areas including culture, education, and scientific research and contributing to a more inclusive and united world.

The Gala highlighted the five first projects supported by the foundation:

  • Institut Imagine – Supporting the mobility of physician-scientists and researchers between France and the UK
  • Fondation pour la Maison Française d’Oxford – Creating international scholarship programmes
  • Wings for Life – Finding a cure for spinal cord injuries
  • Comme les Autres – Offering new beginnings after life accidents
  • London Music Fund – Fostering education through music

Each project leader presented their initiative to the audience, creating moments of emotion and engagement that inspired generous contributions throughout the evening.

Voices and Performances That Inspired

The Gala featured speeches from:

  • Pierre Sellal, French Ambassador & Chair of Fondation de France
  • Professor Lord Tarassenko, Chair of the Oxford Committee of the Maison Française d’Oxford
  • Professor Bana Jabri, Director of Institut Imagine
  • Michaël Jérémiasz, Paralympic gold medallist
  • Darren Edwards, adaptive adventurer
  • The Baroness Fleet, Chair of the London Music Fund
“It’s inspiring to see Franco-British philanthropy celebrated tonight through the Fondation de France UK. We’re delighted that the London Music Fund is a beneficiary, helping young London musicians from low-income families thrive and collaborate across borders.”
The Baroness Fleet CBE
“Research knows no borders, diseases know no limits. Let us fight and win together.”
Professor Arnold Munnich
“Franco-British philanthropy demonstrates how collaboration across borders can redefine what’s possible and bring us closer to breakthroughs and solutions with the power to transform lives.”
Darren Edwards
“This Franco-British initiative shows that philanthropy and solidarity know no borders. Together, we can drive real change and take concrete action for disability, wherever we are!”
Michaël Jérémiasz

Musical performances featured baritone Huw Montague Rendall, hailed as one of opera’s rising stars, alongside award-winning pianist Sasha Grynyuk and talented young violinist Ignacy Stefanowicz—both ambassadors of the London Music Fund. 

Tatty Macleod, Franco-British comedian, brought humour and cultural insight with her bilingual performance, while Guillaume Gallienne, Sociétaire of the Comédie-Française offered a moving theatrical moment. Gallienne also represented the Fondation pour la Comédie-Française, which promotes cultural excellence and accessibility.

A Night of Generosity and Purpose

The charity auction, led by renowned British auctioneer Eugenio Donadoni, featured six exceptional lots and raised vital funds for the supported initiatives. The Gala was not only a celebration of shared values but also a launchpad for long-term engagement between French and British philanthropic communities.

The success of the evening was made possible thanks to the support of our organising partners and generous sponsors.