This is a press release from Sophie Woodward at The Holburne:
The Holburne Museum, Bath’s first art museum at the top of historic Great Pulteney Street, is opening two brand new galleries in September. Thanks to generous funding from the Bruno Schroder Trust totalling £2.5 million, a new gallery has been created on the lower ground floor to display Renaissance treasures, while a new gallery on the first floor will exhibit Dutch paintings, all on permanent loan from the Schroder family collection.
World class art displays
The new Schroder Gallery on the lower ground floor has been created by converting archive and picture stores underneath the Café. Taking inspiration from the great treasury displays of the past, with sumptuous dark blue walls and oak panelling, it houses one of the finest collections of silverware in the country, as well as paintings, bronzes, maiolica and gems from the Renaissance period.
At the same time, the Museum is also opening a new gallery on the first floor, next to the grand Ballroom overlooking Great Pulteney Street. Used most recently as an office. the new Dutch Gallery will house the Schroder family’s collection of 17th century painting, mostly Netherlandish but including a major work by Claude Lorraine, the grandfather of the pastoral landscape. Shown on a rotating basis, the Schroder Collection of 17th century paintings extends and enhances the Holburne’s own collection.
Director of the Holburne, Dr Chris Stephens, said: “I could not be more thrilled or grateful that the Schroder family have chosen the Holburne as the home for their extraordinary collection of Renaissance fine and decorative art. The addition of so many works of such high quality will greatly enhance the Holburne’s offer to its audiences and its standing more widely.”
Remodelling a historic building
Building work on the new galleries began in summer 2024 under the direction of Eric Parry RA, the architect responsible for the Holburne’s renowned modern extension which opened in 2011.
The architectural concept for the lower-ground level gallery was to evoke the atmosphere of an intimate treasure chamber—an immersive space of curated wonders. A restrained material palette and carefully controlled lighting draw attention to the intricacy of the artworks on display. The exhibition design (conceived by Real Studios) features bespoke modern display cases lined with rich blue tones that highlight and complement the silverware and maiolica on display. These cases are paired with fabric-lined walls that provide an elegant backdrop for the hanging of Renaissance paintings.
As well as creating new gallery spaces with full environmental controls, the redevelopment creates a more generous circulation space in the lower ground floor of the museum, with a new display area for additional works from the Holburne Collection.
Eric Parry, Founder and Principal of Eric Parry Architects said: “The Holburne is one of the star attractions within the extraordinary cultural heritage and cityscape of Bath. This new project brings more of both the historic and contemporary buildings into public use, supporting the Museum’s decades-long effort to better serve a growing audience from around the world.
“The original project to refurbish and extend the Holburne Museum was one of the most memorable projects I’ve been involved with and, with the considerable challenge and responsibility of constructing a new building within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most satisfying to complete and then visit over the years. I’m hugely grateful to the Director and Trustees of the museum for their invitation to complete this new expansion of the museum’s gallery space.”
A refreshed visual identity
To mark this important new chapter, the Holburne is also unveiling an elegant new brand identity. Taking inspiration from the columns and pediment on the front of the iconic building, a striking ‘H’ icon is supported by a bolder colour palette and stylish typefaces, reflecting both the heritage and contemporary ambition of the museum.
To help break down any pre-conceptions of the historical façade, an alternative version of the logo will appear to ‘dance’ on occasion, capturing the more playful side of the museum which offers engaging activities for families, and provides supportive creative health programmes for adults with experience of mental health issues.
Sophie Woodward, Head of Communications & Development explained: “The Museum last re-branded in 2011 when the rear glass extension opened. Since then, the Holburne has grown in confidence and status – exhibitions including Grayson Perry and Mr Doodle have drawn new audiences and created a buzz, not just in the city of Bath but more widely, putting the Holburne on the map as one of the UK’s leading regional museums. But audience feedback told us some people still saw us as ‘historic and stuffy’. We wanted to present a more confident and playful identity which celebrates our rich heritage and sets the tone for our ambitious plans for the future.”
For more visit www.holburne.org