The Schroder Gallery
Client: The Holburne Museum, Bath
We took inspiration from the great ‘Wunderkammer’ or ‘treasure rooms’ of the past for the new Schroder Collection galleries at the Holburne Museum in Bath, showcasing some of the world’s finest Renaissance silverware, paintings, bronzes, maiolica and gems in public for the first time.
Working with Eric Parry Associates we have transformed the lower-ground-level of the museum from back of house storage space to a modern gallery, with the atmosphere of an intimate treasure chamber. We chose a restrained palette of materials - dark timber, strategically placed mirrors and deep blue fabrics - and bespoke lighting to emphasise the lustre, richness and intricacy of the artefacts.
Our interpretation and storytelling, devised in collaboration with the Schroder Collection curator, convey context and insight in subtle but effective ways. Bespoke display cases house the 100 pieces of silver in category groupings, such as: Naturalia (designs inspired by the natural world); Artificialia (transforming raw, precious materials into artistic forms); buffet silverware or fine dining.
There are standalone displays for signature pieces such as The Schwarzenberg Nef (a large silver ship) and The Aldobrandini Tazza (from a set of dishes regarded as among the most spectacular groups of 16th century silver). These, key items are placed in the centre of the gallery to facilitate being viewing in the round.
Blue, fabric-lined walls display important paintings from the first half of the 16th century, including works by Lucas Cranach the Elder and Hans Holbein the Elder. Our aim was to achieve a national museum quality presentation for this remarkable collection in its first, public, permanent home.
Our role:
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Interpretive Masterplanning
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Exhibition Design
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Graphic Design with Surface 3
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Lighting Design with DHA Designs
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Overseeing Installation
Images © DIRK LINDNER Photography Ltd & The Holburne Museum
