A Study of Architecture for Art, Design and Visual Media in the West Midlands from the 20Th Century Onwards Based on the Perceptions of Individuals
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A study of architecture for art, design and visual media in the West Midlands from the 20th century onwards based on the perceptions of individuals CAROL COOPER A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Date 4 May 2017 This work or any part thereof has not previously been presented in any form to the University or to any other body whether for the purposes of assessment, publication or for any other purpose (unless otherwise indicated). Save for any express acknowledgements, references and/or bibliographies cited in the work, I confirm that the intellectual content of the work is the result of my own efforts and of no other person. The right of Carol Cooper to be identified as author of the work is asserted in accordance with ss.77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. At this date copyright is owned by the author. Signature………………………………………….. Date 4 May 2017 ABSTRACT The study investigates how museum and gallery buildings can be designed to give functional longevity and appeal. It considers this in terms of their design and relation to their surroundings and use in the context of changing social, cultural, political and economic factors. Post World War II the typological design and layout of these buildings was challenged; partly as a result of the influence of modernism and also as new modes of art production challenged the spaces and display modes. Financial instability and class perception have always been problematic and increased public expectations add to issues that need addressing. The study investigates how these factors have impacted on these buildings and if this has influenced their design and use. It considers the regional context of the West Midlands and also draws comparisons to other areas in England to investigate ways of addressing contemporary issues to achieve longevity of use. The study considers the historical influence of the typological developments. Examples from the West Midlands and investigation of the area’s historical background are used to identify if regional idiosyncrasies exist and if these influence a building’s longevity. This establishes their contemporary context and objectively reviews the resulting implications of appearance and function in relation to the social, cultural and economic issues that may be dominant within this region. A qualitative interview methodology and analysis is used to examine the views of a multidisciplinary group of museum and gallery users, capturing a snapshot in time of their views on the appearance, understanding and use of these 1 buildings. This information is analysed and discussed in conjunction with the findings of the relevant literature. The comparison of the information researched raises regional and national issues associated to design and use of these buildings. Four key themes related to the longevity of use emerged; architectural design, location, economic viability and inclusivity. 2 CONTENTS Abstract .................................................................................................................. 1 Contents ................................................................................................................. 3 Images and floor plans ......................................................................................... 12 Tables ................................................................................................................... 14 Acknowledgement ................................................................................................ 15 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 16 Historical context of the architecture of museums and art galleries ............... 19 The West Midlands region ............................................................................. 20 Reasons for undertaking the research ........................................................... 22 Aims and questions ........................................................................................ 25 Structure of thesis .......................................................................................... 26 Chapter 1 .............................................................................................................. 29 Methodology ......................................................................................................... 29 Introduction .................................................................................................... 29 1:1. Research context .................................................................................... 29 1:2 Research methods issues and criteria ..................................................... 30 1:2.i Literature ................................................................................................ 30 1:2.ii Architectural case studies ...................................................................... 31 1:2.ii.a West Midlands. ................................................................................... 32 1:2.ii.b English museums and galleries selected for comparative purposes .. 32 1:2.iii Interview methodology process ............................................................ 37 Chapter 2 .............................................................................................................. 50 3 Early influences on the design of museums and art galleries ............................... 50 Introduction .................................................................................................... 50 2.1. Early influences on the design of museums and art galleries ................. 50 Summary ....................................................................................................... 73 Chapter 3 .............................................................................................................. 76 Design of twentieth century museums and art galleries ....................................... 76 Introduction .................................................................................................... 76 3.1 1900 – 1945 ............................................................................................. 77 3:2. The post war period ................................................................................ 87 Summary ..................................................................................................... 123 Chapter 4 ............................................................................................................ 125 Historical context of museums and art galleries ................................................. 125 Introduction .................................................................................................. 125 4.1. Form and function ................................................................................. 127 4.2. The building, public engagement and the expectations of gallery users 140 4.3. The relationship/significance of the building design to longevity of use 149 4.4. Alternative venues and alternative locations ......................................... 158 Summary ..................................................................................................... 161 Chapter 5 ............................................................................................................ 166 Historical context of the West Midlands .............................................................. 166 Introduction .................................................................................................. 166 5:1. The region of the West Midlands .......................................................... 166 5:2.i. Pre 20th century .................................................................................. 167 4 5:2.ii. Twentieth century ............................................................................... 173 Summary ..................................................................................................... 197 Chapter 6 ............................................................................................................ 199 Case studies from the West Midlands ................................................................ 199 Introduction .................................................................................................. 199 6:1. New Art Gallery, Walsall ....................................................................... 200 6:1.i. Background ......................................................................................... 200 6:1.ii. Population .......................................................................................... 202 6.1.iii. Location and site ............................................................................... 203 6.1.iv. Design, consultation and build ........................................................... 204 6.1.v. Main external materials ...................................................................... 207 6.1.vi. Main internal materials ...................................................................... 207 6.1.vii. Description ........................................................................................ 208 6.1.viii. Circulation ........................................................................................ 216 6.1.ix. Public accessibility ...........................................................................