The Portland Collections are the historic fine and decorative arts collections of the Cavendish-Bentinck family. The family, currently headed by William Parente, grandson of the 7th Duke, have lived at Welbeck for over 400 years and through the generations have developed a beautiful and intriguing collection. The Portland Collections include examples from some of the most highly regarded artists of each era. Mr Parente, who is chairman of the Trustees of the Harley Foundation, commented:
‘The overwhelming interest shown in exhibitions like the Harley Gallery Open Competition and The Harley Gallery’s displays from the Portland Collections has shown that there is a tremendous appetite in our area for the arts. The new Gallery is a marvellous opportunity for us to share the Collections, which were built up by my family over generations. We will be able to develop a changing programme of different displays in over 800 square meters of exhibition space. These displays will show the breadth of these Collections which different family members have added to over the centuries; each expressing their own aesthetics, interests and artistic preferences’.
The new Gallery will be designed by Hugh Broughton Architects who were appointed to the project after winning a tightly fought competition. Their previous projects include the Halley VI Antarctic Research Station which earned them the title of ‘International Breakthrough Architect of the Year 2013’ at the recent Architect of the Year Awards. Exhibition design is being undertaken by John Ronayne who is currently working for Sheffield Cathedral and whose past clients include the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Lisa Gee, Gallery Director, says:
‘We’re very excited to be working with an internationally renowned architect to create a new building on the Welbeck Estate. Welbeck has a tradition of astounding architecture and we hope that the new Gallery will inspire visitors for generations to come.’
Work on the site is expected to start in 2013 and it is hoped that the Gallery will open to visitors in 2015.
‘We’re very excited to be working with an internationally renowned architect to create a new building on the Welbeck Estate. Welbeck has a tradition of astounding architecture and we hope that the new Gallery will inspire visitors for generations to come.’
Work on the site is expected to start in 2013 and it is hoped that the Gallery will open to visitors in 2015.
Notes to Editors
We are currently developing a complete information pack on the Gallery project, which will be available in early summer 2013.
If you have specific areas of interest such as the architecture or specific art forms such as ceramics or paintings then do get in contact, so we can ensure we meet your needs as the project progresses
If you would like to receive the information pack or to discuss further press opportunities, please email Rebecca Wombell, Marketing Officer at rwombell@harleygallery.co.uk or call 01909 501 700.
If you would like to receive the information pack or to discuss further press opportunities, please email Rebecca Wombell, Marketing Officer at rwombell@harleygallery.co.uk or call 01909 501 700.
