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Plans submitted for art gallery at Grimsthorpe Castle




Plans have been submitted for the construction of an art gallery at Grimsthorpe Castle.

The application also includes improvements to existing visitor facilities and the creation of a new visitor car park.

The proposed gallery will be located on the eastern flank of a stand of mature trees, adjacent to the Old Laundry building at the edge of the Estate Yard.

An impression of what the proposed gallery will look like (34560277)
An impression of what the proposed gallery will look like (34560277)

A key driving force behind the planned development has been Lady Willoughby de Eresby, the present occupant of the castle, who has offered to finance a new public art gallery to house her personal collection of artworks to ensure that these are available to interested members of the public in the future.

According to the application, the collection is "a highly significant personal collection of 20th century art. This has been assembled by Lady Willoughby over her lifetime and now represents one of the most significant collections of British 20th century art anywhere in the world, including some of the biggest names."

The application predicts that the gallery, designed by architecture firm MUMA, "will become an essential place to visit for anyone with an interest in British art."

The development would also see the small tearoom in the Old Coach House relocated into the whole of the stable range, which is currently used as a shop and as visitors’ lavatories, allowing for significantly more indoor seating.

Alterations and demolition work will be done to the grade II listed Old Coach House to allow the original arched opening to open up, and remove non original elements of the Old Coach House, including the removal of a non-original staircase, toilets, café fixtures and kitchenette.

The application said:"We have received and responded to the helpful advice and supportive comments given by Histroric England and the conservation officer from South Kesteven District Council, during our period of consultation.

"We understand that they support the gallery project on this site and with such a remarkable art collection and the client’s aspirations for an accessible public gallery of such quality, we have no doubt that the public benefit of this project will be considerable.

"The growth of visitor numbers associated with the gallery, will provide much needed income to support the ongoing and future financial sustainability of the castle and estate, whilst at the same time increased visitors to the area will contribute to the wider local economy."

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