Lumsden, a design firm specialising in retail and F&B for visitor attractions, has been appointed to redesign the Portico Shop, a retail space found on the second floor of The National Gallery.
The National Gallery, located in London’s Trafalgar Square, houses the nation’s collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the late 13th to the early 20th centuries. The shop will close at the end of January 2023 for renovations and reopen two months later.
Following a competitive pitch, National Gallery Global Limited (NGG), the commercial arm of The National Gallery, appointed the London-based firm in May of this year. The Portico Shop, located in the centre of the Gallery, will be a “celebration of the collection,” reflecting the Gallery’s objective to connect people with great art.
The art of inventive retail
The new shop will be an integral part of the National Gallery experience, allowing the institution to engage and inspire visitors in novel and exciting ways.
With highlight displays and inventive storytelling that interact with the amazing artworks around the galleries, the design will improve sightlines from surrounding spaces.
National Gallery Global Limited managing director Julie Molloy says: “This is the start of a new experiential approach to retail in the Gallery and we are delighted to be working with our colleagues at Lumsden to deliver a unique guest experience, in line with our world-class collection.”
A blended experience
Lumsden has been inspired by the amazing conservation work done at the National Gallery during their tenure. The Conservation Department influenced the colours and materials, and digital content will provide visitors with an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at this endeavour. The design will also include antique frames, which are pieces of art in their own right, from the Gallery’s Framing Studio.
The new design will allow for future product category extension, including clothes and homeware, and will change throughout the year, constantly delivering something new for frequent visitors and members to discover.
Lumsden’s design director James Dwyer adds: “The National Gallery is home to one of the world’s greatest art collections. This is a unique opportunity to create a world-class retail experience as compelling as the collection that surrounds it, setting a new standard for cultural enterprise. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the National Gallery team on this fabulous project.”
Dwyer recently spoke on themed environments at this year’s blooloop Festival of Innovation, where the firm also sponsored the Themed Environment Innovation Award category.
