The National Gallery in London will debut its first complete rehang since 1991 on 10 May, showcasing 1,045 paintings and increasing representation of female artists. The Sainsbury Wing, now the main entrance, has been revitalised to welcome more visitors. Anticipations for visitor numbers are high, despite challenges from the pandemic.
The National Gallery in London is set to showcase its first complete rehang in over three decades on 10 May. This reorganisation comes as the Sainsbury Wing, which has been closed for more than two years, finally opens its larger and more inviting entrance. Christine Riding, the gallery’s director of collections and research, describes the project as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Once fully realised, nearly 40% of the gallery’s collection will be on view.
Visitors will find 1,045 paintings displayed across the upper-floor galleries, with 919 from the collection and an additional 126 on loan. The space will feature nearly a third of the works in the Sainsbury Wing; the rest are in the main floor of the Wilkins building. There’s also a plan in place to display more pieces from the gallery’s collection after the end of the exhibition “Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350” on 22 June, potentially showcasing half of the entire collection.
The sponsor of this extensive rehang is C C Land, a property development company based in Hong Kong. This initiative is termed “C C Land: The Wonder of Art” and aims to celebrate the gallery’s bicentenary. Interestingly, the layout resembles earlier arrangements, emphasising a west-to-east chronology with distinct separations for Northern and Southern European artworks. Changes have been made, with some works placed in new locations and the overall number of displayed pieces slightly increased.
Riding emphasises showcasing artistic influences across generations. For example, Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s painting is placed near its inspirational counterpart by Peter Paul Rubens. JMW Turner’s seascapes now hang alongside historical Dutch maritime art, highlighting connections between artists and their influences. Additionally, the gallery is making strides towards better representation of female artists, featuring 12 works by women artists, including Artemisia Gentileschi and Berthe Morisot.
Several paintings underwent conservation during the renovation phase, while others received new frames. In addition, many artworks are now displayed slightly higher, and thus the labelling may address contemporary topics like race more thoughtfully. Aside from the art, the gallery has refreshed its aesthetic—walls have been repainted, and the previously outdated leather seating will be replaced with modern benches to enhance visitor experience.
Looking ahead, discussions are still ongoing about the lower levels of the gallery, which may soon accommodate more paintings from the Renaissance and Dutch 17th-century collections. Should this materialise, it would signify that approximately half of the National Gallery’s collection would be open to the public.
The Sainsbury Wing will now serve as the primary point of entry for visitors, welcoming over 90% of incoming guests. Visitors will encounter the historic Wilton Diptych as they enter this space, a key piece of late medieval art. The larger religious works will be displayed throughout the central aisle, making up roughly 300 paintings across 15 rooms in the Sainsbury Wing.
As guests progress to the Wilkins building, they’ll explore 47 display areas showcasing artwork ranging from the Renaissance to early 20th century. Special exhibits dedicated to the works of Titian, Rembrandt, and Monet are also in place, with Georges Seurat’s conserved “Bathers at Asnières” proudly displayed in its own space.
Anticipation surrounds this reopening, as visitor numbers are expected to rise. In 2019, the gallery had over six million visitors, while last year, the number dropped to only 3.2 million due to the pandemic and the Wing’s closure. Riding believes it may take until 2027 for the gallery to fully rebound to its pre-Covid-19 visitor counts.
The National Gallery’s rehang marks a significant shift in how art is displayed and understood. With an increased focus on influences between artists, representation of female artists, and a more accessible exhibition space, the project promises to attract more visitors. While current numbers are low compared to pre-pandemic times, expectations remain high for increased engagement as the gallery opens its doors with a refreshed presentation.
Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com