Preparations for Glynn Vivian’s reopening are in full swing

More than 10,000 treasured artworks from across the world are being unpacked with tender loving care as the countdown to the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery’s re-opening gathers pace.

The bulk of the Alexandra Road attraction’s ceramics, sculptures, paintings and other artworks are now back on site, where specialist conservation workers are carefully handling and cataloguing them in preparation for display or storage.

The gallery building will be re-opening this autumn following a multi-million pound redevelopment and restoration project funded by the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Government, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw and Swansea Council.

The project includes a new lecture space as well as conservation, library, exhibition, collection display, learning and community spaces. There’ll also be a new collection store for the art collection and a fully accessible entrance that means more people than ever will enjoy greatly improved access to the artworks.

A new state-of-the-art extension will link to the historic buildings, including the grade two listed 1911 gallery, which has benefitted from complete restoration and improvements to facilities and access, all of which will ensure the Glynn Vivian is fit for the 21st Century.

Other work on-going at the Glynn Vivian in preparation for re-opening includes the installation of artworks set to soon feature in public exhibitions and displays. Signs are also being installed to direct visitors around the building, and the new lecture, shop and café areas are being fitted out.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “The Glynn Vivian building looks absolutely terrific, having been lovingly redeveloped and restored to a standard that’s in keeping with its original splendour.

“But while the vast bulk of construction works on site may have finished, a lot of work still needs to be done to make sure the gallery is ready to re-open in the autumn. This is why our small, dedicated team based at the gallery is working so hard to populate the shell of the building, carefully unpack artworks and prepare exhibitions that meet the aspirations of 21st century visitors.

“The redeveloped and restored Glynn Vivian Art Gallery will have a key role to play at the cultural heart of a city centre we’re intent on transforming into a leading destination for retail, leisure and recreation.”

Other on-going work includes the development of a new Glynn Vivian logo and branding, as well as a new website.

An exhibition about the gallery’s globetrotting founder, Richard Glynn Vivian, will be among the first to feature when the attraction swings its doors open. Ten Leonardo da Vinci drawings will also be on display from October 15 to January 6.