A heritage hub for the local community

Orleans House Gallery

NLHF-funded project

The NLHF-funded ‘Transforming Orleans House’ project enhanced interpretation and community engagement through a mix of conservation and contemporary interventions.

Orleans House Gallery stands on the grounds of the original Orleans House, a site comprising approximately six acres of natural woodland and parkland used for recreational activities. The project enabled the gallery to offer much-improved interpretation, community engagement, volunteering and other programmes so a diverse audience can appreciate local heritage.

A detailed Conservation Plan, drawn up by Donald Insall Associates, provided conservation guidance and policies to help inform and shape the brief of this project. Insall led the restoration of the Octagon; a new North Wing and refurbished West Wing was designed by Kaner Olette Architects and included a Study Gallery with interiors designed by ZMMA.

A restored jewel

The Grade I-listed Octagon is a significant focal point within the gallery complex, and it was designed to serve. A key 1720 work by James Gibbs, enriched with decorative plasterwork by stuccatori Giuseppe Artari and Giovanni Bagutti, it was designed for entertaining royal visitors in a private retreat away from the main house. Today, it hosts a range of community, education, and visitor activities as well as weddings, receptions and other functions.

The repair, restoration of lost elements and access improvements to the Octagon offer an improved layout, allowing level circulation through the Octagon via the two original entrances. Crucially, sensitive repairs and temperature controls ensure that this architectural jewel can be enjoyed by visitors for decades to come.