Julian Harrap and Metaphor to work on V&A Cast Courts

Metaphor has been appointed as the sub-consultant responsible for overseeing the re-display of the objects and graphics.

The V&A received 40 expressions of interest for the project, from which it chose a shortlist of five to submit tenders.

The refurbishment, which is part of Phase 2 of the museum’s Future Plan regeneration project, will see the reinstatement of the Victorian decorative scheme, including restoration of the tiled floor and creating new vistas between the galleries, according to the museum.

Areas of damage to the roof, ceiling and walls will be also be repaired, and the single-storey space running between the Cast Courts will be transformed into an introductory gallery.

Moira Gemmill, the V&A’s director of projects, design and estate, says, ‘We want to restore and enhance the original architectural features of the Cast Courts and modernise the displays. There was a real affinity between Julian Harrap Architects’ proposal and our own aims.’

Julian Harrap says, ‘These 19th-century courts are beautiful architectural spaces in their own right, which deserve to be brought back to their original splendour.’

The gallery refurbishment is expected to be complete by the end of 2012.