Oriel Mostyn has 'Topped Out'
17th December 2009
'Topping Out' is a tradition among our American cousins when they finish the highest point on a new building. But, with Christmas on its way and the last gold coloured tiles placed on the spire, Oriel Mostyn's Director, Martin Barlow, thougt it should be a time to celebrate here as well.
The architects impression of Oriel Mostyn complete with gold spire.
The flyer handed out today at the building site (that is Oriel Mostyn in Llandudno) states the work on the £5.1 million development is 83% complete. Dominic Williams, architect of the prize-winning Baltic Centre on Tyneside, has desined the gallery expansion. This is an ambitious project that will see the gallery stake out its claim to be the best space for contemporary art in Wales.
Photo Pete Telfer
The complete refurbishment of the original 1901 façade, canopy and existing galleries is the most important development for the gallery since it first opened in 1979. But, for now, everything is hidden behind the hoarding and scaffolding, not to be revealed until the reopening on the 22nd of May 2010.
The scaffolding hiding the building today. Photo Pete Telfer
With the gallery spaces starting to take shape, the new cafe, education and community areas receiving coats of plaster on their walls and the last gold coloured tiles being placed on the spire, Culture Colony - Y Wladfa Newydd has been given exclusive access to the building site to see how things are coming along.
One of the last gold coloured panels is secured into place on the spire. Photo Pete Telfer
The gold coloured pannels on the spire and rear of the building are made from an aluminium and copper alloy that should not tarnish with time. Oriel Mostyn is within a listed building. So, with the support of CADW, special consent was obtained to realise the vision put forward by the gallery and the architects. The intention, by replacing the original slate with the gold coloured tiles, is to create a landmark that is visible as you enter the town and make a feature for the building that will stand out among the other buildings in the town. Oriel Mostyn has offered each of the 750, 60 x 60 cm (2 x 2ft), tiles up for sposorship at £100 each to help raise money for the development. Sponsorship details can be found on their web site at 'Going for Gold'
Photo Pete Telfer
Some of the builders material laid out accross the existing gallery spaces already look like artists installations.
Photo Pete Telfer
Photo Pete Telfer
The familiar existing gallery spaces will be enhanced and complemented by the construction of a completely new gallery space. The previous 200 square meter exhibition space will grow to 425 square meters in 5 galleries.
Photo Pete Telfer
Having 5 galleries will ensure that there is always at least two exhibitions running at any time in Oriel Mostyn, even when some exhibitions are being installed or taken down.
The architects impression of the new gallery when its finished.
Architectural features will include using natural light brought in through a ‘saw-tooth’ roof in the large new gallery to create an ambience similar to that in the existing spaces.
The new gallery space as it is today. Photo Pete Telfer
The architects impression of the rear of the building.
Special fire proof windows are lowered into position. Photo Pete Telfer
The Golden rear of the building realised. Photo Pete Telfer
Architects drawing of the circulation area.
In situ concrete in the circulation area links the entrance with the exhibition galleries and the stairway linking the first and second floors.
Guto Ifan, Gareth Griffith, Anders Pleass, Martin Barlow and Darren Herbert Photo Pete Telfer
Darren Herbert first came to the gallery aged 11 and now he is one of a number of local builders helping create the new Oriel Mostyn.
'Topping Out' Photo Brian Howes
Martin Barlow with the site manager, construction manager and the architect officially 'Topping Out' at the highest point of the building.
Also See -
Oriel Mostyn Topping Out Video
External Web Sites -
See the architectural animation HERE
by Erin Rickard on December 17th, 2009