Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK
The Fitzwilliam Museum building was erected to house the art collection and library bequeathed to the University of Cambridge by Richard VII Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion in 1816 and is one of the oldest public museums in Great Britain. Subsequent bequests have enabled both the collections and building to grow over the years. Panelock Gallery Display Systems 200, 400 and 600 have been incorporated in the design of the Fitzwilliam’s Courtyard Development Project. The ingenious four story building, designed by architects John Miller & Partners and enclosing a previously unused internal courtyard, provides enhanced visitor facilities including new flexible galleries for temporary exhibitions.
Panelock, working closely with the designers and museum personnel, custom designed all three systems to create total flexibility within the temporary exhibition galleries and face boards were manufactured from 18mm thick zero formaldehyde medium density fibreboard for the protection of the valuable art work.
Free standing System 200 units, 3600mm high x 2000mm long x 1000mm wide and 4000mm high x 2200mm long x 1000mm wide were manufactured to compliment the spacious Adeane and Mellon galleries. Detailing on the units replicate the detailing on the gallery walls and the System 200 units can be linked together to suit the requirements of differing exhibitions. Gallery Display System 200 units are moveable and totally demountable and thus can be used if required throughout the Museum.
Gallery Display System 400 panels, 4100mm high, provide unobtrusive storage areas at the end wall of each Gallery. The panels, running along concealed guide track, can be easily moved to allow easy storage of bulky objects, and then replaced to create an additional expanse of display walling. Again detailing on the panels replicate the gallery walls.
Gallery Display System 600 panels are utilised to conceal the showcases set into the walls of the Adeane Gallery and also the interconnecting walkway between the two galleries when not required, again creating additional display walls.