Walter Lilly’s Newport Street Gallery wins 2016 Stirling Prize
Walter Lilly are delighted that Newport Street Gallery is the winner of the coveted 2016 RIBA Stirling Prize, the UK’s most prestigious architecture award. Walter Lilly were responsible for the construction of the gallery, designed by architect Caruso St. John.
RIBA President Jane Duncan applauded Damian Hirst for creating ‘an exceptional contribution to the UK’s strong history of private patronage of architecture. Not only has Damien opened up his enviable private collection to the world, but he has commissioned a real work of art to house it in.’
Described as ‘a bold and confident contribution to the best of UK architecture’ by the Stirling Prize judges, they went on to say ‘Caruso St. John’s approach to conservation is irreverent yet sensitive and achieves a clever solution that expresses a poetic juxtaposition of old and new.’
‘The collection of buildings is beautifully curated, pulled together by the use of brick yet still expressive of their individuality. The playful use of LED technology gives a temporary addition to the façade.’
‘Internally, the five buildings are connected as a continuous and coherent sequence of light filled gallery spaces. The simple and logical circulation is enlivened by exquisitely detailed and sensuous staircases.’
Damian Hirst said Newport Gallery had ‘realised [his] ambition to create an unobtrusive and beautiful series of buildings that work perfectly as a space to exhibit great art. I am immensely proud of what we achieved and the reaction it has received in its first year of opening,”
Walter Lilly’s unique approach to high quality construction suited the conversion of three listed Victorian industrial buildings and the construction of two new buildings into one gallery space.
News stories of the award here: