Work begins to restore roof at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Vital work has started to repair the 220-year-old roof of Brighton Art Gallery & Museum to bring the Grade II listed building up to 21st century requirements.

This major building project, led by Brighton & Hove Museums, will enhance the care of the collections housed within the space as well as the visitor experience. The work will improve carbon performance and provide better access to the space for both staff and contractors.

A structural survey in 2019 found the building, one of the first purpose-built museums in the UK, needs urgent repairs. Funded by a grant of £1,463,769 by Arts Council England and £500,000 from Brighton & Hove City Council, work has begun to decant items into storage in key areas.

Preparation work will start for the restoration of the two Georgian glass lanterns which span the building, like a glass skylight, above the central main gallery.

The museum is expected to reopen on September 14, after a short closure, with the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

For most of the building project, the majority of Brighton Museum will remain open although two galleries – the 20th Century Gallery and Mr Willett’s Popular Pottery Gallery – will be closed.

Work will include replicating the original Georgian lighting scheme which made use of light wells and sun pipes, meaning the whole gallery will be lit by daylight reducing energy costs.

Upgrades and repairs to the two large, glazed roof roofs will include improved ventilation and insulation to improve carbon performance.

The internal walkway between the glazed lanterns will be renewed for better access for ongoing maintenance and to make it safer for staff and contractors.

The 20th Century Gallery, below the glass lanterns, showcases three influential artists: Pablo Picasso, Eric Ravilious and Grayson Perry. It also displays furniture by significant designers and manufacturers.

Once the lantern repairs are completed, there will be the opportunity to rejuvenate the central gallery space below.

Work will begin by moving collections to protect them and enable the building of a complex internal crash deck. A crash or protection deck is a bespoke scaffolding structure or system that creates safe working conditions.

The architects working on the design are Donald Insall Associates.

You can follow the progress of the roof project on Brighton & Hove Museum’s website and social media for regular updates about the work and progress. https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/brighton-museum-art-gallery/

CEO of the Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust Hedley Swain said:

“Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is an important historic building, part of the Royal Pavilion estate. It’s so important that buildings like this are maintained for the benefit of current and future generations.”

Donna Chisholm, Corporate Director City Services, said: “Repairs to the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery roof are vital for the ongoing maintenance of this historic Grade II listed building.

“The museum is an integral part of our culture and heritage offer in the city, with thousands of school children, residents and visitors enjoying the collections and exhibitions each year.”

Olivia Stitson, Senior Architect at Donald Insall Associates, said: “The 1960’s roof lantern has reached the end of its service life, and its necessary replacement provides an important opportunity not only to improve safety, maintenance costs and carbon emissions, but ultimately make sure we’re passing this much-loved gallery to the next generation.”