WCEC Museum

The British museum has seen a number of additions over the years,

most recently the £135 million world conservation and exhibitions

centre which was completed in 2014. The brief required a particular

focus on creating an environmentally sustainable building with a

modern interior that could hold exhibitions, as the museum did not

have enough space for them.

The British Museum was conceived in 1753 after Sir Hans Sloane

exchanged his vast collection of artefacts with King George III for

£20,000 to ensure that he left an inheritance for his children. It

opened it’s doors to the public in 1759 and has remained in the

same location in Bloomsbury ever since.

The main building exhibits landmark architecture inspired by the

Greek Revival. To fit the 19th and 20th century design of the site,

the architects Rogers Stirk Harbour worked with Mace group to

build the new conservation centre using steel frames and Portland

glass and stone, easing the transition between the exterior of the

museum and the new development.

With a public building of this magnitude, there is a high amount of

traffic around the building so it was imperative that the ironmongery

performed to the highest level. For this reason, Allgood supplied

the highest quality hardware including: triple knuckle hinges, floor

spring units and mortice locks. We specified the hinges as they are

made from 316 stainless steel and come with a 25 year guarantee

whilst the other hardware items have a ten year guarantee. We also

supplied our Modric lever handles on mostof the doors as they are

tested to grade 4 against BS EN 1906 and would provide the doors

with the highest quality and most durable handles.

As science and research are at the core of the new development,

the building needed to be modern, functional and sustainable.

We were able to meet the sustainability expectations as all of our

stainless steel door fittings are made from 62% recycled materials

of which 95% can be recycled at the end of the product’s life.

Additionally, our packaging is also made from recycled material and

can be recycled once it has been used.

The World Conservation and Exhibitions centre has now been open

for 6 months and has further enhanced the British Museum’s status

as a world class institute.