Lews castle museum & archive takes shape
February 25 2015
Led by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar the £13.5m project has seen Simpson & Brown Architects lead conservation of the A-listed Lewis landmark, including new wall panelling copied from originals and conservation of original 1850s décor.
Malcolm Fraser Architects meanwhile have overseen a new build extension connected to the castle by a long gallery and glass roofed courtyard –offering improved facilities including a café, shop and gallery space.
An archive store for important records from the island has also been created ahead of an official opening to the public in October.
A glazed courtyard conjoins the extension to the castle
Views to Stornoway and the mainland can be glimpsed from the museum long gallery
|
7 Comments
#1 Posted by A Lewis Chessman on 25 Feb 2015 at 12:06 PM
The extension was supposed to have a mirrored stainles steel finish to 'disappear' into the landscaping. I can still see it.
#2 Posted by Malcolm Fraser on 25 Feb 2015 at 16:07 PM
No disappearing ever intended.
#3 Posted by ooctopus on 26 Feb 2015 at 13:33 PM
Please may we have more images Mr Fraser? We likes what we sees so far.
#4 Posted by A Lewis Chessman on 26 Feb 2015 at 15:15 PM
Pretty sure there was a "stealth bomber" design with mirrored stainless steel at the public consultation event pre-planning.
Anyway, more images here...
http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/press/documents/LEWS%20CASTLE%20MUSEUM%20%20ARCHIVE%20UPDATE%2024%20FEBRUARY%202015.pdf
Anyway, more images here...
http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/press/documents/LEWS%20CASTLE%20MUSEUM%20%20ARCHIVE%20UPDATE%2024%20FEBRUARY%202015.pdf
#5 Posted by Malcolm Fraser on 26 Feb 2015 at 16:56 PM
The Gallery is where it is for maximum visibility: visibility out for the view up the Minch, so the story of artifacts like the Chessmen is told by the context they are seen in; visibility in for its juxtaposition smooth and bright against the stone bulk of the big Hoos - like the Victorian Glasshouses achieved, on the same footprint, until their demolition.
And the stainless steel deals best with the salt-laden weather that lashes it.
Fit-out's to come so no finished images till later in the year...
And the stainless steel deals best with the salt-laden weather that lashes it.
Fit-out's to come so no finished images till later in the year...
#6 Posted by Robert on 27 Feb 2015 at 10:43 AM
No doubt stainless steel is very good in a coastal environment but then other materials can stand up pretty well to a bit of salt too. Don't be ashamed of just wanting a bit of bling, fess up Malcolm!
#7 Posted by Malcolm Fraser on 27 Feb 2015 at 17:54 PM
Smooth and bright, I fess...
Post your comments
Read previous: £390m Buchanan Galleries extension wins approval
Back to February 2015
Like us on Facebook
Become a fan and share
News Archive
Search News
Features & Reports
For more information from the industry visit our Features & Reports section.