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Manchester Art Gallery
A timeless space in the heart of Manchester, built to honour the past and reflect the present.
THE BRIEF
Manchester Art Gallery needed a flexible and functional space to sit at the centre of their year-long project: The Pre-Raphaelite Experiment.
The experiment explored what these iconic paintings mean to today’s Mancunians. The challenge was to create something that didn’t take away from the character of the gallery but blended in seamlessly - as it had always been part of the room.
CLIENT
Manchester Art Gallery
LOCATION
Manchester
WORK
Interior Refurbishment
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what we delivered
Strong foundations, subtle structure
We fabricated and installed custom-built metal backdrops to support the artwork throughout the exhibition. These structures were designed to be sturdy, durable, and easily reconfigurable - giving the gallery full control to adapt the space as the exhibition evolved, without disrupting the flow.
A brand-aligned, framed story
Every frame surrounding the artwork was wrapped in a carefully chosen deep burgundy, a colour that echoed the rich interior of the gallery while complementing the gold and brass tones of the original Pre-Raphaelite frames. It added warmth and depth without taking attention away from the art itself.
A space to reflect and explore
Working closely with the gallery team, we shaped a corner dedicated to storytelling. With carefully curated text and supporting artwork, this quiet area allowed visitors to engage with the bigger themes of the project - thoughtfully designed to say more with less.
THE EXPERIENCE
The result was a space that felt calm, open, and connected.
Nothing overwhelmed the original gallery, and visitors could take their time, focusing fully on the paintings and what they meant to them. The installation supported the exhibition's goal - to spark thought, invite reflection, and create something that felt right at home in the gallery’s historic setting.
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