Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Representing a Hobart landmark, reconnecting it to its past
- Location
- Australia
- Client
- Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is situated on the traditional lands of the Palawa people and comprises a collection of contemporary and historic structures, including the first permanent structure built in Hobart, the rare and intact Bond Store, together with the adjacent Watergate Wall. The conservation of these 200-year-old buildings was essential due to recent weather damage and ongoing deterioration.
Known for our expertise in retrofit, creative reuse, repair, and conservation, Purcell were engaged as Heritage Architect to re-render and re-roof the Bond Store to its original state and stabilise and re-render the Watergate Wall at the site's entrance.
Following extensive archival research and fabric analysis, Purcell and the wider team identified the structural and fabric matters compromising the integrity of the significant features. Rectifying these issues and using traditional materials and techniques returns both environmental and social benefit for the community.
This project revitalized a crucial historical site, strengthening the bond between Tasmania's heritage and its community.
These projects are important because we're conserving the built environment for future generations, but conservation and maintenance aside, aesthetically, we’ve returned the building to the presentation as was intended.’
— Lucy Burke Smith, Associate Partner at Purcell
Purcell continue to support TMAG with technical advice and Heritage Consultancy across the various historic buildings, including their recent engagement working on Customs House and the Henry Hunter Galleries.
