Refurbishing Heritage: AEC’s Barrier System Upgrade at the Sainsbury Wing, The National Gallery
Royal visits don’t happen every day – but when they do, it’s nice to know your work is standing tall in the background.
This refurbishment project allowed us to retain and enhance the original barrier system, delivering a sustainable and elegant result.
Project Overview
AEC originally fitted the Sainsbury Wing with solid stanchions a decade ago. As part of a recent refurbishment, the entire wing underwent a complete update. Rather than manufacturing entirely new stanchions, we agreed to re-finish the existing system. This approach not only ensured the barrier system complemented the renewed gallery space, but also delivered a sustainable and cost-effective solution by retaining and enhancing the original components.
The process involved disassembling approximately 1,500 individual components across 16 galleries. Each item was part-marked to ensure it returned to its original location, then sent for finishing, thoroughly inspected, and carefully repacked for reinstallation.
Challenges and Requirements
The most significant challenge was managing the volume and traceability of components. Every part had to be accounted for at each stage; disassembly, finishing, and reassembly. To address this, detailed room-by-room plans were produced and used throughout, enabling the team to track, check, and confirm the location and condition of each part.
Another technical hurdle involved uprights that had seized in position after many years of use. These were originally fixed to the floor using M20 studs, which in some instances had become immovable. To resolve this, a new hole was carefully drilled from the top of the component, allowing an adaptor to be inserted and the upright securely reattached to the floor.
Management and Execution
This project required careful coordination between multiple stakeholders, including representatives from the gallery and external finishers. Clear and consistent communication was essential to maintain momentum and ensure each stage of the project aligned with the broader refurbishment timeline.
The Solution
Through meticulous planning, accurate part-marking, and continuous tracking, AEC Museum & Gallery Products was able to deliver a sustainable, high-quality upgrade to the barrier system. The project not only preserved the integrity and functionality of the original installation, but also supported the gallery's commitment to maintaining an environment that reflects the significance of the artworks on display.