In London, the completely converted Gordalt Gallery reopens on November 19

Published: 10/11/2021 – 16:50Changed: 10/11/2021 – 16:48

Renovation of molding, renovation of rooms, creation of access for the disabled: The Gordalt Gallery, located in the Somerset House, a listed historic building on the banks of the Thames, has undergone a new transformation at a cost of millions of euros.

From the Middle Ages to the 20th century, this change was already enthusiastically received by the British press with its spacious and bright rooms and brilliant arrangement of canvases.

“What we want to do is harmoniously link one of the UK’s largest collections to this important historic building,” Ernst Vezelin von Clarbergen, manager of the gallery, told AFP, “for both things meet and work beautifully.”

Among the major works was the complete renovation of the “Great Room”, the oldest exhibition space in the British capital, where the Royal Academy held its famous summer exhibitions between 1780 and 1836.

Funded by the LVMH Foundation for the undisclosed amount, the renovation of this structure will be especially highlighted when it reopens, now merging the largest Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings in the museum.

Completely redesigned and open, visitors can enjoy famous paintings by Cézanne, Manet, van Gogh, Modigliani, Seurat, Degas, Gauguin, Renoir or Monet. Among the most popular pieces are Van Gogh’s “Self-portrait with a restricted ear” or Edward Manet’s “An Bar Ax Follis Berger”.

“We feel it’s the right time to reopen,” said Ernst Wegelin von Clarbergen, after the epidemic was over. “The mood is changing and we hope it will bring joy, fun and inspiration to people who want to explore the city and reconnect with the arts,” he added.

Among other things, two philanthropists donated 10 10 million (6 11.62 million) and 11 11 million (8 12.8 million) in donations to the restoration of the museum. Euros) from the National Lottery Traditional Fund.

© 2021 AFP