Manhattan-based design studio Roman and Williams recently completed the redesign of the British Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The reopening coincides with the cultural institution’s 150th anniversary and marks the debut of the newly installed Annie Laurie Aitken Galleries and the Josephine Mercy Heathcote Gallery, which were originally established in 1989 and 1986, respectively.
The firm, which was honored at the 2019 HD Platinum Circle Awards, collaborated with the museum team to transform a suite of 10 galleries, totaling 11,000 square feet. Characterized by historic materials, period references, and richly layered colors, the galleries are now more reflective of the collaborative spirit of the British decorative arts world between 1500 and 1900.
In addition to three 18th-century rooms, nearly 700 artworks help narrate the intense commercial spurt among artists, manufacturers, and retailers that influenced British design over the course of 400 years.
A new entrance allows for zealous access from the Medieval European art galleries and creates a natural transition from the Middles Ages into the Renaissance.
