The National Gallery – NG200 Initiative

Architectural metalwork for the National Gallery’s bicentenary building improvements

Sir Robert McAlpine appointed PAD Contracts to design, manufacture and install architectural metalwork for building improvements at the prestigious National Gallery, as part of its bicentenary NG200 initiative.

In May 2025, the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing was reopened by His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The King is Royal Patron of the National Gallery.

The project

In 2024, London’s iconic National Gallery celebrated its bicentenary. As part of its year-long NG200 initiative, the National Gallery commissioned a suite of improvements to the gallery building, led by Selldorf Architects.

The improvements included:

Renovations to the Grade I listed Sainsbury Wing entrance
Improvements to the public realm immediately outside the Sainsbury Wing and along the northern edge of Trafalgar Square
Upgraded visitor amenities
A new Supporters’ House in the historic Wilkins Building
A new research centre, also in the Wilkins Building
Transformation of the Centre for Creative Learning

These projects were identified as central to providing a more inspiring and sustainable visitor experience and creating healthy and accessible spaces.

PAD Contracts’ work at the National Gallery

The PAD Contracts team was honoured to be involved in such a prestigious and historically sensitive refurbishment and restoration project at one of London’s prime landmarks.

We collaborated with the architect-led design team to fully understand the client’s vision and how the building improvements would impact visitor experience and the status of such an iconic building around the world.

New entrance at the Sainsbury Wing

For the new Sainsbury Wing, PAD Contracts designed and installed glass balustrades which were required to enhance the aesthetics and safety of the welcome area to the building, giving customers an improved first impression and visitor experience.

The elegant, all-glass balustrades give visitors the opportunity to observe the architectural intricacies and juxtaposition of the old and new structural elements.

Restoration of historic gates

PAD Contracts were trusted with upgrading the historic gates at the Sainsbury Wing and on Jubilee Walk. The intricacies of the existing metalwork on the gates had significant historical significance, so the restoration work required skilful expertise and sensitivity.

Our restoration specialists ensured that the gates retained their original aesthetic and charm while meeting the required safety and accessibility standards.

Challenges of the project

Our problem-solving skills, precision and expertise in restoration techniques were crucial for carrying out architectural metalwork improvements using modern methods and materials while preserving the architectural integrity of the original structures.

Public safety is a priority, particularly when designing and installing glass balustrades in a building with such high foot traffic. We used our engineering expertise and artistry to produce glass balustrades of the required aesthetic while meeting safety standards.

Main contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine, was given an immovable deadline to achieve reopening at the end of the National Gallery’s bicentenary year. The Gallery also remained open to the public throughout the duration of the works. It was critical to the smooth running of the project that we were proactive and communicated clearly with all stakeholders throughout the project to achieve project goals, and that our architectural metalwork elements were manufactured to specification and installed within agreed timescales.

Client satisfaction

PAD Contracts have completed architectural metalwork structures for several Sir Robert McAlpine projects. We were delighted to be approached to contribute to this high-profile project with its balance of traditional design and modern metalwork techniques.

The client was delighted with the quality of our bespoke architectural metalwork and our commitment to bringing the project in on time. We look forward to being involved in more transformational projects in the future.