Changes to improve and upgrade the Royal Cornwall Museum would also stop the risk of damage in exhibitions areas.
This is what is said as part of an application for listed building consent being sought by the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro, to modernise the building to make it a more enjoyable experience for visitors and offer greater protection for exhibits.
The upgrades are designed to ensure the ongoing use of the main hall as a museum space, while upgrading the facilities for the art gallery at the upper level.
A planning statement says: “At present the existing lights do not meet contemporary gallery standards with regards to conservation, adjustability or energy conservation.
“The current upper gallery lighting design appears ad hoc and lacks the sensitivity or flexibility to best reveal both the architectural features of the main hall and improve an appreciation of its significance or enhance temporary collections which may be displayed.
“Similarly, a lack of acoustic mitigation limits the usability of the hall for both events and the general running of the hall as an exhibition space. The acoustics are presently poor, and when full creates an overly noisy, off-putting space reducing the equitable access for those who are hard of hearing or neurodiverse.”
The statement adds: “Importantly at upper gallery level there is no secondary support armature/wall lining for larger pieces of artwork to be hung. Given the walls' current build-up, individually hung larger pieces risk damaging the wall, which without appropriately controlled measures continues to be a risk as the use of the main hall as a gallery space continues.
“The need for proactive intervention to ensure exhibitions can continue to use the space without risking damage to the interior finishes and attract a high standard of collections and interpretation has therefore been identified.
"Appropriate to its sensitivity as a listed building, the proposals have been developed in accordance with advice received from the council at pre-app, minimising the degree of impact to historic fabric and making sure there is a clear shadow gap between any original fabric.”
The museum collection is housed within the Grade II listed former Truro Savings Bank, which dates back to 1845. The bank was converted to a museum and library in 1919, at which time a significant extension was added, completing the main hall and attached gallery wings as well as a caretaker’s apartment.
A neighbouring Baptist Chapel dating to 1848 was acquired in the late 20th century and converted into a café and gallery space, with a new link building constructed between the two.
For more details see the full planning application on Cornwall Council's planning portal, via its website, under reference PA24/05941.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here