The Staffordshire Hoard gallery at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery was officially unveiled last week, by City Council leader Sir Albert Bore. The new permanent exhibition explores the fascinating story of one of the country’s greatest treasures.
Associated Architects obtained listed building and English Heritage consent for the Grade II* listed building to make the alterations needed for the exhibition space. The careful restoration of the original wood block floor, windows and radiator system was part of a series of sensitive restoration works that saw the removal of later additions of the gallery. The exhibition fit out was delivered alongside Real Studios, who’s work includes the 2013 retrospective of David Bowie at the V&A.
As well as cases and display cabinets there is also a touch screen table which allows visitors to see images of individual items, rotate and enlarge them and find out more detail about how they were made and what they were used for.
Hoard conservation coordinator Pieta Greaves said, _‘People can admire the pieces as they are, or if they like there is that extra layer of understanding.’_
Associated Architects have a strong relationship with the BMAG, having delivered the “History of Birmingham”:http://www.www.associated-architects.co.uk/projects/culture/bmag/ gallery in 2012.
