Landscape architect sought for the home of The Wallace Collection

The 18^th century museum hosting The Wallace Collection at Hertford House, London is seeking a landscape architect to join a large-scale project to reimagine and revitalise the museum led by Selldorf Architects with Purcell and Lawson Ward Studio. 

The plans are to improve visitor welcome and circulation for the museum. The masterplan is in its early stages with landscape architects invited to participate in an initial selection stage with practices shortlisted at this stage invited to participate in the second-stage tender, which will follow a standard Invitation to Tender process. 

According to a press release announcing Selldorf’s involvement in the project, the masterplan will address a wide range of priorities including improving visitor welcome and circulation to upgrading environmental conditions and improving accessibility throughout the historic site "all designed with sensitivity to the listed building and its distinctive character."

Director of the Wallace Collection, Dr Xavier Bray, said: “The Wallace Collection occupies a unique place
in the national and international museum landscape – an exceptional collection in an extraordinary
historic home. We are delighted to be working with Selldorf Architects, Purcell and Lawson Ward Studio
on the next chapter in the museum’s history. Their thoughtful, collaborative approach and track record
of working with complex heritage buildings gives us great confidence as we embark on this
transformational journey.”

Annabelle Selldorf, Principal of Selldorf Architects, said: “We are looking forward to working with the
Wallace Collection to enhance the unique experience of visiting Hertford House, making their
magnificent collection of paintings, decorative arts and arms and armour more accessible. Engaging a
wider audience with art and the building’s beautiful architecture is vital and the project presents an
exciting opportunity to re-examine essential aspects of the visitor’s experience. Bringing people closer to
art matters to us and is a core part of our firm’s work.”

A fundraising campaign is intended to support the realisation of the masterplan. 

The Wallace Collection is a national museum housing masterpieces of painting, sculpture,
furniture, arms and armour, and porcelain, collected over the 18th and 19th centuries by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, it was given to the British nation in 1897 by Lady Wallace. 

The Collection is a non-departmental public body of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, led by Director Dr Xavier Bray and supported by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Prime Minister.