Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

Pallant House Gallery in Chichester is renowned for its significant collection of 20th-century British art. Housed in a Grade I-listed Queen Anne building, the gallery’s holdings include works from the Hussey, Wilson, and Freeman collections, representing modern painters, prints, and porcelain. 

In response to the growing collection, a New Wing was designed by Colin St John Wilson and Long & Kentish to provide additional gallery space while preserving the historic character of the site. 

The gallery’s expansion marked a pivotal moment in integrating contemporary design within a historic townscape.

The courtyard is now the heart of the Gallery, orientating visitors, it is a flexible space which is the focus for socialising, dining, for exhibitions and for events. It serves as the physical and symbolic bridge between the 18th-century Pallant House and the modern extension. It is an essential element in uniting the old and new, reflecting the gallery’s dual focus on history and modernity. 

The courtyard design is minimalist and geometric, echoing the structured interiors of both the old and new galleries, and offers a quiet, contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the gallery experience.

The project’s complexity was heightened by the need to integrate a modern courtyard into a sensitive historic site. 

BHS LA’s landscape design not only complements the architecture but also respects the residential surroundings of the Pallants. 

The logistical challenges were significant, involving the careful preservation of the original house and the coordination of construction within the L-shaped site. The courtyard itself had to work harmoniously with the gallery’s sustainable initiatives, which included energy-efficient design and the use of renewable resources.