A key south London arts venue, the Dulwich Picture Gallery, will undergo a major redevelopment, encompassing a new sculpture garden and a new building for school and family activities. The project, known as open artis estimated to be worth £4.6million “with applications to trusts and foundations currently underway”, the gallery said in a statement.
The Gallery’s first major overhaul in 25 years is being designed by architects Carmody Groarke who will oversee the new Family and Schools Center and an extension to the existing Gallery Cottage. “These interventions will provide much-needed facilities for school groups and young children offering art-based learning experiences,” a statement read.
At the same time, the inaccessible southern part of the site will be transformed into Lovington Meadow, an “earthly work of art” designed by landscape artist Kim Wilkie. An “art forest” of around 150 newly planted trees will be set up in this space, which will also host a new biennial sculpture competition. This outdoor gallery is funded by the Lovington Foundation.
The existing installations will also be renovated with new temporary sculpture installations which will be presented alongside Walk the dog by Peter Randall-Page, acquired in 2011, and Bronze Oak Grove by Rob and Nick Carter. “The gallery aims to acquire this [latter] sculpture that will set the tone for the sculpture garden,” the statement added.
Construction is due to start in late 2023 and the project – recently approved by Southwark Council – is expected to be completed in early 2025. The gallery will remain open throughout.
French impressionist Berthe Morisot (1841-95) is currently the subject of an exhibition at the Dulwich Picture Gallerywhich explores how a honeymoon in England left a lasting impression on his work.
