Conservation & Heritage Issue 50 Winter 2025/Spring 2026 - Flipbook - Page 113
Adjacent to the Jubilee Walk and to the front of the Grade I
listed Wilkins Building is an area called Grizelda’s Garden,
named after Grizelda Grimond, assistant to the director of
the National Gallery for many years. This whole area has been
remodelled and opened up for public access. The existing
lawn wall and soft bank was removed and a new curved wall,
using as much of the existing salvaged stone as possible was
installed – this was instrumental in opening up the space.
Existing areas of stonework to the façade surrounding the
door and windows were removed and salvaged, to make way
for a new entrance. New Jordans Basebed Portland stone
cladding to match the Wilkinson Building was installed to
create a new entrance, cutting into the existing spandrel and
adding a new decorative lintel course. Additionally, steel
supports for blast proof windows were installed. Finally,
two four tonne precast benches made from the reclaimed
Portland stone were installed into the paved garden area.
www.szerelmey.com
Above, Sainsbury Wing and new public space,
photo courtesy of The National Gallery
Above, Sainsbury Wing entrance foyer, photo courtesy of The National Gallery
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