What was your role in the transformation of the National Portrait Gallery?


I joined in February 2020 just before lockdown as project director for the delivery stage of the Inspiring People project. Jamie Fobert Architects (architect) and Purcell (conservation architect) had already been appointed and the team were already well into the project, with the construction contracts about to go out to tender. T e project encapsulated the capital works to the building and the interpretation design, and also quite a large programme of community partnerships.


Had you previously worked as a design client? I’ve had a lot of experience working with


architects and designers on capital building projects that involved both conservation and new build. My previous job was at Bath Abbey working on a Heritage Lottery Funded project. Before that, I was at the National Trust for over ten years.


Alix Gilmer, Inspiring People project director, National Portrait Gallery


How did the overall vision for the Inspiring People project come about, and what were the main objectives?


Our aspiration was to completely transform the gallery, and create the best experience we can for all our visitors. One of the key things was improving access to the building. Before, we had a relatively discreet historic entrance to the building. JFA have created a new entrance and


’Our aspiration was to


completely transform the gallery, and create the


best experience we can for all our visitors’


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