Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries, located in the Triforium of Westminster Abbey, London, England, is a museum that showcases the history and heritage of the British monarchy and the Church of England. The galleries were opened by Elizabeth II in 2018 to commemorate her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, which was also celebrated with events such as the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant and the Diamond Jubilee Concert. The galleries offer stunning views of the House of Commons, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament, and are situated near other famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace and St Paul's Cathedral. The Dean of Westminster, John Hall (bishop), played a significant role in the development of the galleries, which were designed by MUMA (architecture firm) and built by Purcell (architecture firm).

Introduction

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries are a significant addition to Westminster Abbey, which has been the site of numerous coronations, including those of George VI, Elizabeth II, and Charles III, as well as royal weddings like the marriage of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Kate Middleton. The galleries are situated in the Triforium, a previously inaccessible area of the abbey, which offers a unique perspective on the building's Gothic architecture and its stained glass windows, designed by artists like John Piper (artist) and Patrick Reyntiens. Visitors to the galleries can also see exhibits related to the Order of the Bath, the Order of the Garter, and the Order of the Thistle, as well as artifacts like the Sovereign's Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown, which are normally kept in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. The galleries are near other famous museums like the British Museum, the National Gallery (London), and the Tate Britain, and are a short walk from Trafalgar Square and the National Portrait Gallery (London).

History

The history of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries is closely tied to that of Westminster Abbey, which has been a place of worship and royal burials for centuries, including the tombs of Edward the Confessor, Henry III of England, and Charles Dickens. The abbey has also been the site of numerous state funerals, including those of Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher, and has been visited by countless heads of state, such as Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, and Angela Merkel. The galleries themselves were created as part of a larger project to conserve and restore the Triforium, which was led by the Heritage Lottery Fund and involved the work of experts from organizations like the English Heritage, the Historic England, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The project also received support from charitable organizations like the National Trust and the Church Commissioners, and was guided by the principles of the Venice Charter and the Burra Charter.

Architecture

The architecture of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries is characterized by the use of glass and steel to create a sense of lightness and airiness, while also respecting the historic Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey. The galleries were designed by MUMA (architecture firm), which has also worked on projects like the Whitworth Art Gallery and the Phyllis P. Marshall Center for Engineering, and were built by Purcell (architecture firm), which has experience with historic buildings like the Tower of London and the Bodleian Library. The galleries feature a number of innovative design elements, including a glass floor that allows visitors to see the Triforium below, and a staircase that provides access to the galleries from the nave of the abbey. The design of the galleries was influenced by the work of architects like Augustus Pugin and Giles Gilbert Scott, and reflects the principles of sustainable design and universal design.

Exhibitions

The exhibitions in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries feature a wide range of artifacts and objects related to the history of Westminster Abbey and the British monarchy, including crown jewels, royal robes, and historical documents like the Magna Carta and the Domesday Book. The galleries also include exhibits on the Order of the Bath, the Order of the Garter, and the Order of the Thistle, as well as displays on the coronations of British monarchs like George VI and Elizabeth II. Visitors to the galleries can also see artifacts like the Sovereign's Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown, which are normally kept in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. The exhibitions were curated by experts from organizations like the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum, and the National Archives (United Kingdom), and reflect the latest research and scholarship on the history of the British monarchy and Westminster Abbey.

Conservation

The conservation of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries is an ongoing process that involves the work of experts from organizations like the Heritage Lottery Fund, the English Heritage, and the Historic England. The galleries are designed to be sustainable and environmentally friendly, with features like natural ventilation and energy-efficient lighting. The conservation of the galleries is also guided by the principles of the Venice Charter and the Burra Charter, which emphasize the importance of respecting the historic Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey and the Triforium. The galleries are maintained by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, which is responsible for the upkeep of the abbey and its surroundings, including the College Garden and the St Margaret's Church, Westminster. The conservation of the galleries is supported by charitable organizations like the National Trust and the Church Commissioners, and reflects the commitment of the British government and the Church of England to preserving the country's cultural heritage.