The National Gallery houses a magnificent collection of Western European paintings dating from the 13th through to the 19th Century.
The management team’s aim is to encourage the public throughout the United Kingdom – and beyond – to value and enjoy its pictures, and work with partners in museums around the country to support the increasing role the pictures play at all levels of public education, lifelong learning and enjoyment.
The National Gallery Collection contains over 2,300 works, including many famous works such as van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait, Velazquez’s Rokeby Venus, Turner’s Fighting Temeraire and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
Protecting a priceless art collection
All major traditions of Western European painting are represented, from the artists of late medieval and Renaissance Italy to the French Impressionists
– 13th to 15th Century paintings
Duccio, Uccello, van Eyck, Lippi, Mantegna, Botticelli, Durer, Memling, Bellini
– 16th Century paintings
Leonardo, Cranach, Michelangelo, Raphael, Holbein, Bruegel, Bronzino, Titian, Veronese
– 17th Century paintings
Caravaggio, Rubens, Poussin, Van Dyck, Velazquez, Claude, Rembrandt, Cuyp, Vermeer
– 18th to early 20th Century paintings
Canaletto, Goya, Turner, Constable, Ingres, Degas, Cezanne, Monet, Van Gogh
Keeping such a priceless collection secure and safe while at the same time making it accessible to the public is both a challenging and serious task.
Now, a dedicated on-site ADT technician helps to ensure that the collection, premises and lives remain secure by conducting regular detailed inspections and routine maintenance of all fire and security equipment.
CCTV, access control, fire protection
A comprehensive network of CCTV cameras, a sophisticated intelligent access control system and a fire management system are all required to safeguard the site. The capacity to respond quickly to any problems alongside the provision of planned preventative maintenance is essential in order to preserve high levels of performance and prolong equipment life.
“The contract was awarded to ADT after the company met the stringent requirements of the assessment and selection process” explained Stephen Inman, engineering works manager at The National Gallery.
“We use security and fire detection systems from a variety of manufacturers and ADT Fire & Security undertakes a rigorous programme of regular inspections as well as routine maintenance that virtually eliminates the risk of unforeseen failures, helping to provide a secure environment.”
During maintenance, action is immediately taken to address any potential problem areas and free fitting of replacement parts for normal wear and tear is included in the Comprehensive Service Plan provided by ADT Fire & Security.
