The First Painting in the New Portrait Gallery
Well, we are more than half way through the building programme now. And it is not difficult to be more heartened by what has already been done than discouraged by what remains to be finished! Starting at the top, we now have a new roof; and here is the furthest advanced top floor gallery, now rather beautifully day-lit.
There are even some paint samples to be approved.
Actually some decoration is under way: under the central cupola before the scaffolding is struck.
Elsewhere upstairs the ceiling coving is being formed . . .
. . . and here are the cornice lengths waiting to be hoisted up.
Mind you, there is still a bit of masonry to be completed upstairs.
Outside, look at this new cill and shaft.
And the leaded glazing is sparkling.
The middle floor with lift shaft. The lift itself has been made in Italy and will be shipped over next month.
At the front entrance a lively party is discussing signage. (Never a shortage of opinions on signage.)
