A Northern Ireland construction company has completed the largest refurbishment of London’s National Portrait Gallery in the building’s 127-year history.
Gilbert-Ash was the main contractor on the Inspiring People project which saw redevelopment of the building to include public spaces and a new learning centre, as well as a “re-presentation of the Collection”.
The firm oversaw the transformation of the Grade I listed Blavatnik and Weston Wings of the Gallery, which are part of the original building. Works are also underway to create the new Ross Place entrance and forecourt on the North Façade, designed to provide a high-quality space for both the public and Gallery visitors.
Gilbert-Ash Managing Director Ray Hutchinson said the firm’s experience in heritage and cultural projects continues to grow.
"We are incredibly proud to have delivered the National Portrait Gallery redevelopment, which has been a true collaboration between our team, the Gallery's stakeholders, and our partners and suppliers,” he said. “Together, we have delivered a world-class facility that respects and celebrates the history and heritage of the building, while also creating exciting new spaces for visitors to explore.
“Now that we have handed this project over, the Gallery’s team will embark on the monumental task of redisplaying over 1,000 portraits from its Collection. It has been a privilege to work on a project of this scale and significance, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the cultural landscape of London.”
The gallery will reopen to the public on 22 June 2023.
“The countdown to our reopening following the largest and most comprehensive redevelopment in our history has well and truly begun,” The National Portrait Gallery's Director Nicholas Cullinan said. “As we enter into this new chapter, I would like to thank the fantastic team at Gilbert-Ash for all of their hard work and collaboration on the making the Inspiring People project a reality. We eagerly look forward to welcoming visitors back into our transformed building in June.”
