Purcell Miller Tritton completes work on Wallace Collection Phase IV: The East Wing Galleries

Working with John O’Connell Architects of Dublin, Purcell Miller Tritton has recently completed work on the Phase IV representation of The Wallace Collection’s East Wing Galleries, which re-opened to the public on 20th March 2012, creating a stunning backdrop for works by the Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt.

The extensive reconstruction project, which began in October 2010, has allowed the Wallace Collection to reinstate the original height of the Galleries, taking inspiration from their appearance in Sir Richard Wallace’s day and to introduce daylight from above to illuminate the space.

To achieve the ambitious plans for the Galleries, Purcell Miller Tritton worked in collaboration with the Design Architects to remove low ceilings that were installed in the 1970s to accommodate air conditioning and replace them with airy top lit spaces illuminated with carefully controlled natural lighting from a series of roof lanterns while keeping the paintings out of direct sunlight.

Within the roof voids over the new galleries the environmental control services have been reconfigured within a new roof structure which reinstates the mansard profile that existed until the very early part of the 20th Century.

The original cornice of the East Wing Galleries has been revealed once more and restored. New ceilings in fibrous plaster have been constructed over each room, completed by skilled craftsmen who have also restored existing joinery and provided new panelling. The decoration is highlighted with gilded mouldings.

Dark blue silk by Prelle of Lyon, a colour often used by Collectors in the 18th and 19th Centuries now adorns the Gallery walls and provides a wonderful background for the works of Rembrandt and his school, which will go into the first of the three Galleries.

Following the completion of the Galleries, a work by Rembrandt entitled ‘Titus, The Artist’s Son’ c. 1657 will be moved from its current location to provide an impressive centrepiece as visitors arrive to visit the three refurbished Galleries.

Dr Christoph Vogtherr, Director, The Wallace Collection says: “We are absolutely delighted with the results, which show our fine Dutch paintings in their very best light. We hope very much that visitors enjoy re-visiting these collections.”