The Burrell Collection
Time scale: 2014-2020
Size: 8000m²
My role: Design lead and Creative direction
Project overview: The Burrell Collection is described as ‘one of the most remarkable assemblages of works of art ever brought together by one man’. It features rare medieval stained glass, ancient Chinese ceramics, Islamic carpets and French paintings. Gifted by Sir William Burrell, it is one of the most extraordinary gifts ever bestowed on a city. The collection is housed in a modernist masterpiece, known as one of Scotland’s finest examples of post-war architecture, set in Pollock Country Park. On opening in 1983, the Burrell Collection was a milestone in the city’s reinvention into a centre of culture.
30 years later, the Burrell collection faces many challenges, The building was no longer fit for purpose, water threatened the collections, accessibility was substandard and visitor numbers were declining.
Glasgow Museums had a bold, ambitious vision to create the most accessible and beautiful fine and decorative arts museum in the world. Event were appointed to bring this vision to life.
My responsibilities included:
I undertook the pitch and interview, winning the job.
I worked with the wider client team, including curators, educators, and managers to develop overarching vision for project.
I worked closely with architects John Macaslan and Partners to develop a cohesive response to the vision.
I led the team to develop design through all stages in accordance with vision cost and programme.
I liased with key stake holders throughout the process to ensure input and approvals.
I worked closely with architects (JMP) and building consultants to develop and deliver an approach to interface with the building.
I briefed and worked with consultants- setworks, showcases, lighting and media.
I visiedt site regularly to ensure required design quality is met.
Concept diagram
A three-level visitor proposition
A Three-Level Visitor Proposition
The architectural development has opened up three levels of the building to the visitors for the first time. This offers the has given us the opportunity to develop three distinct propositions and experiences to draw visitors through the levels and offer new perspectives on the collection.
Level 3: Make Explore the objects through the eyes of the craftspeople, makers and artists who created them. Experience the materials, process, techniques and skills that the objects represent. Explore the lives of the makers - their inspiration and the context in which they worked.
Level 2: Witness See from the objects’ perspectives. Where have they been? What have they seen? Encounter the people, the places, and activities that the objects have witnessed. Explore the lives of the objects before they came to the Burrell Collection.
Level 1: Collect See the extraordinary extent and breadth of the collection in the object stores. Explore the coming together of the collection and learn about how it is researched and cared for.
Design development
The Burrell Display System
Family of distinct components - Composition, proportion, materiality, and detail.
To facilitate the display of the collection Event designed a family of interchangeable and modular components which build upon the qualities of the building and the collection.
These work seamlessly with the architecture, working within the existing architectural palate and datums and using standardised modular sizes and details. They have a single material pallette which draws on the original while adding in new complimentary colour and texture, they have limited direct fixings to the building.
Design development
The Exhibition: response:
The exhibition acts as the connecting element between the objects and the architecture, facilitating and enhancing the dialogue between collection and building, respecting the presence and impact of both
The exhibition design draws its inspiration from the architectural context, reflecting the original architectural principles of Earth and Air, where solid structures support objects and light materials and translucent layers hold stories.
All materiality and detailing reflect the simplicity and exacting craftsmanship that is key to the building.
The Exhibition design aims to enhance the experience of the Burrell, building on the original architectural intent of creating a comprehensive spatial experience.
Vistas and views guide the positioning of key objects and displays, facilitating rhythm and pace, adding moments of surprise and discovery and aiding orientation.
Project Images
