V&A to open refurbished Italian Cast Court in latest phase of FuturePlan

The Victoria & Albert Museum in London is set to open its newly refurbished Italian Cast Court in the latest phase of its FuturePlan initiative to overhaul its galleries and displays.

Weston

The 24m-high Cast Courts were opened in 1873 and purpose-built to house a collection of post-Classical European sculpture.

This collection includes a 5m-high reproduction of Michelangelo’s David and a set of electrotype doors cast from the Gates of Paradise at Florence Cathedral.

The redesign has been led by Julian Harrap and Metaphor architects, working with conservation consultancy Crick Smith.

Weston

A decorative scheme has been reinstated that pays tribute to the Cast Court’s original colours, architectural details and finishes, according to the V&A.

The 19th-century ceramic tiled floor has been restored and repairs have been made to the glazed roof, ceiling and walls.

Marjorie Trusted, lead curator of the Cast Courts, says: “This splendid gallery displays some of the greatest sculptures of the Italian Renaissance, seen through life-size and dramatic 19th-century plaster casts, in a richly-coloured and imposing interior. The renovation will see the gallery transformed into one of the most impressive spaces in the V&A.”

Weston

When it opens, the Italian Cast Court will be renamed the Weston Cast Court.

The gallery is the latest reopening in the V&A’s FuturePlan initiative, which has also seen new furniture and fashion galleries open.

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