Witherford Watson Mann (WWM) has competed its modernisation of London's Courtauld Gallery. The much loved art destination in Somerset House has been undergoing extensive reimagining by the Stirling Prize-winning architects for some five years, but has just announced a November return to the capital's cultural scene.
Working through the gallery with surgical precision, the architects have refreshed the building, completely reintepreting the visitor's journey, and restoring and enhancing spaces within. The institution is made up of ‘disconnected houses/vertical buildings originally constructed to provide homes to a varied set of government offices and learned societies', say the architects. Using historical references and a keen eye for sensitively mixing old and new, WWM has worked hard to balance the needs of a heritage building with those of a prime, 21st century cultural landmark.
This includes the restored Blavatnik Fine Rooms and the (newly named) LVMH Great Room – London’s oldest exhibition space, which was previously subdivided into smaller sections and will now be used to display Impressionist work. Alongside them, a brand new gallery has been created on the first floor for The Courtauld’s collection of paintings and decorative arts from the Medieval and Early Renaissance periods.
Apart from the gallery, the transformation has also addressed The Courtauld’s facilities for teaching, research and students. This part of the project is much about functionality and the experiencing of art by everyone, as accessibility will be dramatically improved, and encompasses a redesigned reception area, carefully thought-out lighting, non-reflective showcase glass ramps, and a lift.
‘This ambitious transformation project reimagines Sir William Chambers’ masterpiece to make it a public building fit for the 21st century,’ says practice co-director Stephen Witherford. ‘Through a careful balance of studious conservation and bold intervention we wanted to reveal the layers of the building’s evolution. Opening up spaces and transforming the layout of the building will provide a more versatile infrastructure for exhibition and exchange in a way that resonates with the distinctive characteristics of Chambers’ original design.'
The Courtauld’s collection, which includes masterpieces ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, will relaunch with a variety of shows, the display of Oskar Kokoschka’s epic modern painting, The Myth of Prometheus (which is the largest work in the collection), and a new, contemporary commission by artist Cecily Brown.
INFORMATION
![Installation views of It’s not my job, it’s your job / Ce n’est pas mon travail, c’est votre travail at [mac] mus e d’art contemporain de Marseille, 2023](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CC3pZWbdpNejcfiv4jeXBB-1280-80.jpg.webp)
-
A major Frida Kahlo exhibition is coming to the Tate Modern next yearTate’s 2026 programme includes 'Frida: The Making of an Icon', which will trace the professional and personal life of countercultural figurehead Frida Kahlo
-
A portrait of the artist: Sotheby’s puts Grayson Perry in the spotlightFor more than a decade, photographer Richard Ansett has made Grayson Perry his muse. Now Sotheby’s is staging a selling exhibition of their work
-
From counter-culture to Northern Soul, these photos chart an intimate history of working-class Britain‘After the End of History: British Working Class Photography 1989 – 2024’ is at Edinburgh gallery Stills
-
Celia Paul's colony of ghostly apparitions haunts Victoria MiroEerie and elegiac new London exhibition ‘Celia Paul: Colony of Ghosts’ is on show at Victoria Miro until 17 April
-
Teresa Pągowska's dreamy interpretations of the female form are in London for the first time‘Shadow Self’ in Thaddaeus Ropac’s 18th-century townhouse gallery in London, presents the first UK solo exhibition of Pągowska’s work
-
Sylvie Fleury's work in dialogue with Matisse makes for a provocative exploration of the female form'Drawing on Matisse, An Exhibition by Sylvie Fleury’ is on show until 2 May at Luxembourg + Co
-
What to see at BFI Flare film festival, 'a rich tapestry of queer experience'As one of the only film festivals to explicitly profile LGBTQI+ cinema, BFI Flare Film Festival remains a unique and beloved event. Here's what to see as it makes its return to London from 19 - 30 March
-
The enduring appeal of Transport for London’s seat designsFrom artist Rita Keegan’s new collage to fashion designer Adam Jones’ Overground suit, TfL moquettes continue to enjoy a cult status
