The Art of Luxury Issue 50 2022 | Page 100

ART & SCULPTURE
The practice also worked closely with lighting designers Studio ZNA on the project , with lighting acting as a guiding tool to help direct visitors , as well as to optimise the display of the Institute ’ s world-renowned collection . A new track layout has replaced the individual lights previously attached to artwork frames and was carefully integrated – with on-site testing undertaken to ascertain optimum distances - within the decorated heritage ceilings to allow visitors to appreciate longer and more unobstructed vistas .
The LMVH Great Room , on the top floor , forms the final crescendo to the new visitor experience . Nissen Richards Studio played an integral role in realising the bold new vision for this room , developing freestanding divisions and opening the room up after years of being partitioned into smaller , more cellular spaces .
‘ Until 1837 , the Great Room hosted the annual summer exhibitions of the Royal Academy of Arts , so it has an incredible history ’ Marie-Lise Oulmont , Associate Architect at Nissen Richards Studio explained . ‘ Then , since 2002 , the room had temporary walls splitting the room to facilitate the hanging of artworks , but this feature inevitably also concealed the true volume and grandeur of the space . We were delighted therefore to be given the challenge of creating the new display scheme , which provides a dynamic and exciting setting for Samuel Courtauld ’ s famous collection of
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings within this historic room setting , been restored once again to its original proportions .’
The new configuration takes the form of a series of continuing spaces , which control flow and allow for a more intimate experience of the artworks , whilst retaining the experience for visitors of a single volume . Four new walls create a dynamic final setting within a layout that breaks up the conventional gallery perimeter wall hang and is completely visible from the point of arrival . This ensures a sense of discovery for visitors , allowing the collection to be viewed in defined groupings , each with equal prominence .
‘ Working closely with the project team and curators , we have created an engaging environment with elegant displays , enhanced within the historic setting ’ Pippa Nissen concluded . ‘ Everything supports the Gallery ’ s ethos of enabling unhurried and personal enjoyment of great masterpieces within a distinctive environment , whilst encouraging the public to foster deep encounters with the breadth of the collection and the history of Somerset House . We very much look forward to seeing visitors enjoy the galleries and the artworks for themselves .’
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100 The Art of Luxury Issue 50 2022