The Burrell Collection
Glasgow’s greatest gift
Detail
Reimagining the museum with a focus on beauty and accessibility.
Location
Glasgow, UK
Sectors
Art, Culture, History
Services
Advisory ,Exhibition Design ,Content and Interpretation ,Project Management
Client
Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council
A Remarkable Collection
The Burrell Collection was gifted to the city of Glasgow by Sir William Burrell and is one of the most remarkable collections of fine and decorative arts in the world. We were selected by Glasgow Museums to deliver a masterplan for its renewal which set the roadmap for a fully accessible and beautiful museum for the people of the city. We were subsequently appointed to design all displays across 8000 m2 of exhibition space.
Designing for Accessibility
Our design responds to the Burrell’s listed modernist architecture and exceptional natural surroundings, while over 200 bespoke showcases conserve collections for the 21st century. Accessibility, sustainability and beauty were at the core of our interpretive approach. Gallery areas increased by 35% and spaces became more permeable, making the collections significantly more accessible – both physically and socially.
Displays in the east galleries of the Burrell Collection (Image © Felix Speller)
Displays in the south galleries of the Burrell Collection (Image © Felix Speller)
View into the North Gallery of the Burrell Collection (Image © Glasgow Life)
The Burrell Collection architecture by Barry Gasson, Brit Andresen and John Meunier. Rennovation architects - John McAslan + Partners (Image © Glasgow Life)
Companies
Participating Companies
Partners
John McAslan + Partners – architecture
Squint Opera – media production
Tactile Studio – display production
Beck – display fabrication