St fagans national museum of history
We’re delighted to unveil the results of one of our latest projects – a collaboration with leading contract furniture firm Furniture Fusion to supply bespoke atrium furniture for the St Fagans National Museum of History.
Following a £30m investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Welsh Government to completely transform the visitor experience at the Cardiff museum, we were approached to assist with consultancy on the final stages of the project, specifically to oversee the design and installation of furniture for the newly-completed Courtyard Atrium.
Our Creative Director, Abi Perry-Jones, explains “Having worked with St Fagans on an earlier phase of the redevelopment, we were delighted to be invited back to advise on one of the key finishing elements. The atrium is a beautiful and imposing space, but we wanted to help ensure it’s also welcoming, approachable and of course practical. On our initial site visit we were faced with a huge empty space, containing only a reception desk – some imagination was needed to visualise how the atrium would be used by visitors, staff and for community and private events.”
The result was something which fitted the brief perfectly – a bespoke modular seating system which could be moved quickly and easily for performances and to suit different visitor requirements and uses. Pieces could be moved and linked together to create sculptural shapes – especially striking when viewed from the overhead bridge which links the galleries. All would be hardwearing, practical and ultimately would deliver something that was visually exciting and appealing to mirror the beautiful new space and enhance its character. Colours and fabrics were selected to complement those used in the museum’s café space – another Jones AD project, the palette was chosen to echo the Welsh landscape and heritage.
You can see the results of the project in the images – it’s fantastic to see the finished product installed in the atrium, and even better to see it in use and being enjoyed by the museum’s many visitors. It’s delivered an interior space which works brilliantly for the museum’s diverse user groups and we hope creates a space that St Fagans can really be proud of.