Plans for Burrell Collection revamp revealed

The Burrell Collection museum, in Pollok Park, closed at the weekend to allow it to undergo the redevelopment, which will see the basement area opened, a new roof, and other internal and external improvements.

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It is due to re-open in 2020.

The first artists’ impressions of the proposed interior of the building, designed by John McAslan and Partners and Event Communications, are now available.

The images show the modernisation of the building, which is Category A listed, while retaining the exterior design of the

Barry Gasson-designed institution which holds the cultural treasures gifted to the city by shipbuilder Burrell in a Deed of Gift in 1944.

Glasgow Life, which runs the city's museums and galleries, said the revamp will allow a "greater proportion of the collection to be accessible to the public, embracing innovative solutions that open up the footprint of the museum whilst maintaining the quality and integrity of the building."

At present, only 20 per cent of the collection is on display, but Glasgow Life hopes that 90% will be on show on re-opening.

Hannah Lawson, a director at John McAslan and Partners, said: "By providing a new circulation core we can open up new parts of the gallery to visitors and greatly increase the display area for the collections."

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The design also includes a café with access from the park at ground level and "landscaped terraces linking the museum to its parkland setting."

Sir Angus Grossart, chair of the Burrell Renaissance team which is overseeing the redevelopment and raising funds, said: "The designs will see the museum undergo the most comprehensive modernisation since opening to international acclaim in 1983.

"The proposals will deliver the high quality and innovative solutions for this exciting project.

"We expect to be able to show previously unseen works from this rich collection, and strengthen the reach of this extraordinary world-class museum."

The plan is for the building to be "greener", with improved heat retention through new glazing and a plan to make it "energy efficient."

The proposed designs will now go on display at the Burrell at Kelvingrove display space, at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, from 24 October.

Glasgow City Council has agreed to fund up to 50 per cent of the overall project cost with the UK Government awarding an additional £5 million to the Burrell Renaissance project in the Spending Review in November 2015.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is also pledging £15m.

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The fund raising campaign has a target of £15m.

The collection includes Chinese art with objects from every major period in Chinese history as well as Late Gothic and Early Renaissance works of art from Northern Europe, with tapestries, stained glass, sculpture and furniture and French art.

Other strong areas include Dutch paintings, British portraits, Islamic art, Persian, Caucasian and Indian rugs and carpets, and Near Eastern, Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities.

An international tour will showcase treasures from the collection.

James Robinson, director of Burrell Renaissance, said: "The proposal is a considered response to the design brief and all that’s unique to the Burrell Collection.

"The teams have thoroughly understood the requirements for the refurbishment and redisplay, showing a sensitivity and awareness of the Burrell’s cultural context.

"The Burrell Collection will be a beacon that both celebrates Sir William’s incredible legacy, and meaningfully links the unique building with its parkland setting.”