I popped into some of the new gallery space in the Bloch Building the other day and found a flurry of activity. As I approached the scene, I began to hear a beautiful language that unfortunately, I don’t speak. It was the Italian workers from Goppion who are installing the new casework for the African collection.
The cases are massive; some over 16 feet long. Most of them will be enclosed on three sides by glass, allowing for more visual access to the works of art by visitors.
In addition to being pretty, these cases are state of the art (no pun intended). The construction allows for minimal disruption to the art while ensuring the optimal conditions for conservation. They also incorporate some of the Bloch Building’s main aesthetic: light. The upper portion of the tall cases will be covered in an opaque glass and when lit from within, will create a gentle wash of light in the gallery.
A parting shot of the happy Italians at work:
