The Burrell Collection in Glasgow has appointed Cliveden Conservation to help protect precious architectural pieces whilst the museum undergoes a four-year refurbishment and re-display of its collection. Over the next three months both parties will work closely together to dismantle or protect in situ a mixture of ancient stone and wooden structures.
The collection, named after its donor Sir William Burrell (1861-1958) a successful shipping agent in Glasgow, is one of the greatest collections ever created by one person. Over 9,000 objects are housed within the purpose-built Category A listed building.
Objects including stone doorways, niches, chimney pieces, wood panelling, choir stalls, and the intricate carved Bridgwater ceiling, will be carefully dismantled by Cliveden Conservation. All these pieces will be catalogued and boxed or held securely by support frames.
Non-removable architectural features such as the Bridgwater roof beams, carved stone arches, 14th-century French window surrounds and the original Warwick vase will be protected in situ by Cliveden Conservation. These items will be lined with insulation to withstand potential impact and emergency weather breaches.
Regular inspection of architectural features will take place and a data logger will be used to monitor environmental changes during the refurbishment. Works to modernise and enhance the museum’s visitor experience will be carried out whilst retaining the architectural intent of the Category A listed building.
Duncan Dornan, Head of Glasgow Museums and Collections at Glasgow Life said: “The integration between collection and building is what makes the Burrell so unique. With the appointment of Cliveden Conservation, work has begun on the specialist protection and removal of the architectural stone and woodwork which is key to the refurbishment and renaissance of this world-class museum.”
Image credit: The Burrell Collection. Courtesy, Glasgow Museums