PRESS INFORMATION ________________________________________________

£2.5m lottery funded refurbishment announced

The University ofLondon and the Courtauld Institute of Art have been awarded £1.884m from the Heritage Lottery Fund to complete the architectural restoration of the North Block of Somerset House.

The work focuses on the restoration of the Fine Rooms and Great Room which include the original meeting and exhibition rooms of the Royal Academy. They are among the most important 18th century interiors in London.

The floors and paint decoration) including the exceptionally fine original plaster-work will be restored. The lighting of the Fine Rooms where the Gallery1s 16th - 18th centurary collections are displayed will be significantly improved. A centralised air-conditioning system will be introduced, allowing for the removal ofthe freestanding humidifiers in the galleries) and providing a supply of clean air throughout the building.

The prints and drawings gallery, shop and cafe' will also be re-organised.

The Courtauld Gallery will close to visitors on 1 September 1997 and reopen in early autumn of 1998 after the completion of the works.or more information, please contact Elizabeth Foy or Christine Butterfield on

0171 873 2549.

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