Design Studio Nissen Richards chosen as Interpretation Designers for the National Portrait Gallery's £35.5m 'Inspiring People' undertaking
The National Portrait Gallery in London is currently undergoing a significant three-year renovation, scheduled to be completed in spring 2023. The extensive programme of activities, titled Inspiring People, carries a budget of £35.5 million.
At the helm of the interpretative design for this extensive renovation is Pippa Nissen, an architect renowned for her innovative and sustainable design approach. Nissen Richards Studio, under her leadership, will be responsible for the new interpretation design possibilities that the renovation will allow.
The renovation will see the reopening of the East Wing of the National Portrait Gallery, originally built in 1896. Former office space on the first floor will be transformed into top-lit galleries, offering visitors a fresh perspective on the Gallery's collection.
The collection, which spans from the Tudor period to the present day, will be re-hung to present a wider and more diverse selection of portraits. The theme for the National Skills Sharing Partnership with museums and galleries around the UK is 'What is a portrait?'
The renovation will also establish a much-improved Learning Centre, increasing the Gallery's learning spaces from one studio to three. Each space will be equipped with specialist facilities and breakout space, aiming to offer a better learning experience for schools, families, young people, community groups, and adult learners.
Architectural remodeling for the project is being handled by Jamie Fobert Architects. The ground floor and basement levels of the East Wing will be refurbished, providing a flexible gallery and social space with its own dedicated entrance and an extended Portrait Café.
In addition to the physical changes, the renovation will also bring the Gallery closer to communities around the country. An ambitious nationwide activities programme will be implemented, reaching new audiences locally, regionally, and online. This programme includes partnerships with community groups in Croydon, Ealing, Tower Hamlets, and Wolverhampton, and a series of exhibitions created with partners in Brent, Ilford, Hillingdon, Hertfordshire, and Teesside.
The programme will explore stories of migration and movement, reflecting the diverse nature of the portraits in the collection. This approach aims to make the Gallery more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is providing support for the refurbishment. The project will culminate in a new visitor entrance and public forecourt, further enhancing the Gallery's presence in the heart of London.
This ambitious renovation project promises to breathe new life into the National Portrait Gallery, making it a more inclusive and engaging space for all.
