The brief called for the conversion of the ground floor of the Gallery from offices and picture stores to a series of galleries to house the Twentieth Century Collection and to provide space for a temporary exhibition as well as a new Education Centre in the basement.

The 19th Century Grade II listed building is composed of a series of rooms 5 metres high, on either side of a wide central gallery. The main design intervention in the original plan is the creation of a new arched opening, completing the cross axial figure at the heart of the space.

The permanent collection is housed in these galleries and the temporary exhibitions in the Duveen Wing. A new public entrance has been introduced from Orange Street to provide full access for the disabled with a ramp running parallel to the Orange Street façade.

The internal walls are faced in painted plywood. The floors to the main axis, circulation and entrance hall are in French grey marble laid diagonally. The permanent collection galleries are restored parquet floors, and the temporary exhibition space is American white oak strip floor.

All the galleries have custom designed flexible lighting and are fully air conditioned to meet the standard specified by the Museums and Galleries Commission.

Awards

• Civic Trust Commendation 1996
• Museum of the Year Award Best Museum of Social History 1994
• British Gas Adapt Award - Highly Commended - For Access for the Disabled 1994
• Holiday Care Award - For Access for the Disabled 1994