The Dulwich Picture Gallery shop
What better way to celebrate 200 years than to launch a new shop and entrance to the oldest art gallery in the UK. Designed by Sir John Soane the Dulwich Picture Gallery, which houses 300 paintings from many of the world’s masters, was bequeathed to the public in 1811 by Sir Francis Bourgeois RA. Set within gorgeous green gardens and the affluent surroundings of Dulwich, where a three bed semi can cost almost one million pounds, the Gallery feels a million miles away from its London location.
I love gallery shops, perhaps because it takes me back to my days as a poor art student doing what I loved most, although museum and gallery shops are naturally fabulous just because of their historic settings and exceptional products. And this one is no exception. Small Back Room has created a simple yet innovative concept for the Dulwich Picture Gallery, which perfectly links the old Soane buildings with the modern Rick Mather extension. And, successfully and skilfully combines old elegance with contemporary chic.
The new shop takes its cues from the building’s architecture and features the Greek motif known as ‘running dog’. The graphics also pay homage to the newly commissioned sculpture in the Gallery grounds, known as ‘walking the dog’. Much of Sir John Soane’s own work has inspired the design for the furniture, fixtures and the merchandising units, such as the legs on tables that match those on the architect’s own sofa. Corner units have been designed in the shape of easels and backed with printed graphics from the Gallery collection. Further inspiration has been taken from artists’ palettes and products are displayed on plinths. Colours are muted and terribly harmonious. A tall point of sale unit designed in the style of a picture frame, houses the Gallery’s current exhibition product range, making it a highly visible focal point from which customers choose their merchandise. All these retail display items are finished with glass shelving and minimal bracketing set into slimline slots giving a very refined and classic feel, to a wonderfully ornate room. The roof lantern above provides plenty of natural daylight and so lighting is kept to a minimum - ultra sleek, chrome display lights highlight individual units. Two two-tiered visual merchandising tables at the centre display product and combine Soane inspired lower units with modern, angular glass tables on top.
The new entrance hall is equally impressive set within one of the gallery rooms. Sleek modern graphics and counters in complimentary hues blend with their highly decorative neighbours. The entrance provides improved ticketing facilities and features a specially designed green sofa inviting people to dwell, rather than pass through. A bespoke desk, running the length of the gallery wall has mirrors underneath to give the impression of it ‘floating’. This doubles as a serving station for the various events that the Gallery runs.
On the day I visited it was brimming with visitors all eager to view the Norman Rockwell exhibition and no doubt end their day out with a trip to the shop to find the perfect memento.
Design: Small Back Room
12 sdea directory of shopfittings and display
www.shopdisplay.org
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