National Gallery's cursed building
Plus: most expensive art auction ever is revealed
Happy Friday
I’m kicking off this week with some news of my own that I’m really chuffed about. This newsletter has just surpassed 1,500 subscribers! I am delighted. I think back to when I started and I had no idea whether there would be an audience for digestible, plain-speaking news and views from the world of museums, galleries, art and heritage. I’d no idea if people wanted to be kept up to date with what’s going on across these sectors, but in an accessible way that speaks to everyone (and with a hint of fun). But it really seems that there is, and I thank YOU for being part of it. If you keep reading it, I’ll keep writing it. (And mayyyybbbeee this is a good point to casually mention you can support me and this newsletter by donating here).
And with all this in mind, here’s a little poll as I begin plotting out how to grow this community even further. I’d love it if you could let me know if you would recommend maxwell museums to a friend or colleague? (Maybe you already have!) And don’t worry, all responses are anonymous.
Before I pass you on to this week’s news headlines, a reminder that if you missed the interview I sent you earlier this week - with Sarah Baxter from the Sunday Times about her recent headline-grabbing chat with the British Museum - then you can catch up with it here (or check your inbox from Tuesday),
Till next time!
Maxwell
If you enjoy this newsletter, please take time to support it. You can do that by buying me a digital coffee.
This week’s news
The National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing has a chequered history… and it’s become even more chequered. A number of architects slammed current plans to remodel the Wing - to allow it cope with increasing visitor numbers - describing them as vandalism and needlessly destructive. One of the original architects of the Wing, which opened in 1991, called for a “storm of protest” over the proposed changes to the extension. Others have called the plans - due to be completed by 2024 - damaging, underwhelming and too “vanilla.” This all comes after the huge furore in the 1980s over it’s original construction, with the first proposal having to be entirely scrapped after the Prince of Wales called it a “monstrous carbuncle.” The Times
There’s a new definition of the word museum. The International Council of Museums (ICOM), a 76-year-old professional body that works with UNESCO, approved the new meaning in their General Conference this week in Prague. It was approved by 92% of the delegates. The definition was seven years in the making, and it adds 13 words to the previous version. (Which I think we can all agree is quite a long time to spend on something that is used by no one much at all.) ArtNet News
An abandoned Victorian railway station has been saved from demolition and will be moved "brick by brick" to a railway museum. Wansford Road station in Sutton, Cambridgeshire, will become part of the Nene Valley Railway heritage line and locomotive museum, so it can make way for a new duel carriageway (because yeah, more roads, that’s what we need). BBC News
This. is. big. Auction house Christie’s yesterday confirmed that it has won the right to sell over 150 artworks from the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen who died in 2018. The sale is set to be the most expensive art collection the auction industry has ever handled, with predictions that it could top $1 billion for the first time. The money raised by the sale will all go to charity. Wall Street Journal
Melbourne’s equivalent of the Serpentine Pavilion has revealed its 2022 iteration. The National Gallery of Victoria will soon install a mini-Acropolis, complete with a replica of the Parthenon. Called the Temple of Boom, it’ll be about a third of the size of the Athens’ Parthenon, and it will host performances, live music and other events throughout the Australian summer. The Guardian
The $100 million International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, South Carolina, finally has an opening date after a year’s delay and inflating costs. Built on the site of Gadsden’s Wharf - once the largest slave port in the United States - the museum will open on 21 January 2023. Last week, aerospace manufacturer the Boeing Company gave the museum its second $1 million donation, to provide free admission for underserved children. Charleston City Paper
And finally
A big congratulations to Caroline Campbell who has been appointed the first female director of the National Gallery of Ireland. Caroline, who is currently Director of Collections and Research at the National Gallery in London, will take up the role in November. She’s also previously been an interviewee in this very newsletter!
Maybe the above news has given you the itch to become a museum director? You’re in luck then, as Manchester’s People’s History Museum is looking for one.
Not seen the (excellent) Rana Begum: Dappled Light exhibition at the (also excellent) Pitzhanger Manor in west London? Then head on over to their Instagram page right now as they're giving away three pairs of tickets - plus some other goodies - to mark the final weeks of the show. Click here to get the details and to enter, and GOOD LUCK! *SPONSORED*
If you enjoy this newsletter, please take time to support it. You can do that by buying me a digital coffee.
Congratulations ! and thank you as always.
Amanda