Lauren Gilmour (on the left during this presentation to the museum friends) has done an amazing job over the last 7 years getting lottery and other funds to ensure the County Hall and museum redevelopment project went ahead, despite the disappointment of the lift to upper floors not being allowed.
It was announced yesterday at a meeting of the museum friends that, Jane Bowen, who has been looking after refitting the museum when it reopens, is to be the new curator.
Installing a lift in a building like that would have been an utter travesty, well done whoever stopped it. To many fine buildings have been blighted by the “access” brigade.
I find the stairs a bit awkward on my damaged knee. Also I understand a lift would make it much easier to move exhibits in and out of the Sessions Hall gallery.
The lift was not going to be inside the building, but where the shaft is being dug outside the Punchbowl, except that it will, more or less, only go down to the basement. Also, technically it is not a ‘lift’, but an hydraulic ramp, whose ‘resting’ position will be at ground level, albeit with a tall railing around it. Is that too much ‘health and safety’?
The lift, (from the design i have see) would of only been seen if you were looking at the town hall from the Parasol or from by Allen and Harris, and is it wrong that the elderly and disabled should be able to view the museum pete?
Oh dear the ruddy access police have surfaced… its an old building with stairs, get over it.
I have no problem with access being improved as long as any changes are sympathetic to the building.
As many people as possible should be able to enjoy the museum.
Well done to Lauren, she has been a fantastic curator and a good friend!