The National Gallery
The National Gallery
For over 25 years we have provided engineering and conservation advice to the National Gallery.
Our engineering work dates back to the £21m refurbishment of the East Wing, which was the first stage in the implementation of a masterplan that would go on to transform facilities and circulation. Two new entrances to the Gallery at ground-floor level (from Trafalgar Square) and open up the Annenberg Court, as a triple-height, naturally-lit atrium created from a little-used internal courtyard and defined by its grand stair and skylight. Our Conservation Strategy guided this development, and the detailed understanding we developed of the history and evolution of the structure enabled our engineers to design bold structural solutions to create generous new spaces. The greatest of these challenges was the removal of walls supporting the main cupola above the entrance portico in order to enlarge the entrance vestibule and improve natural lighting. Despite extensive previous construction work in the area, detailed study identified potentially undisturbed ground where new foundations were planned and archaeological excavation was recommended as separate enabling works. This approach proved wise when a Saxon horse skeleton was discovered, requiring meticulous recording before removal. The project enabled the Gallery to put in place major improvements to visitor services and within two years, visitor numbers had increased by 9%. The project went on to win a RIBA award for conservation.
Since this project, we have continued to advise the Gallery on projects ranging from minor gallery repairs to major refurbishments. Most recently, this has included supporting the Gallery’s 200th anniversary, such as logistics in moving artwork from the entrance vestibule using access platforms that can be quickly erected and removed to mitigate their impact on the Gallery function, and a major project to repair and clean the south elevation. We have also advised a series of alterations to the 1970s concrete framed Education Centre at the National Gallery to improve their WC and circulation facilities as part of project led by Lawson Ward Studio. Here, low-vibration concrete cutting methods were researched and employed, to mitigate disruption to nearby artworks.
Client: National Gallery
Architect: Various