Crafting Precision for the V&A Photography Centre

Services Provided

• Bespoke metal fabrication and finishing
• Technical design and collaborative product development
• Precision manufacturing and quality control
• Coordination with multiple project stakeholders

The Challenge

The prestigious Victoria & Albert Museum commissioned us to manufacture the intricate balustrades for the new Photography Centre’s mezzanine level. This highly complex project required close collaboration with leading architects, structural engineers, joiners, and shopfitters to bring the design vision to life.

Our Approach

As the chosen metal fabrication partner for this prestigious project, we understood the importance of meticulous attention to detail and seamless coordination with the various stakeholders involved.

The design of the balustrades featured several unique challenges, including a bespoke brass arch that needed to perfectly align with the tall arched openings of the museum. To ensure the flawless execution of this element, we produced several high-level mock-ups to refine the jointing methods and achieve the desired finish quality.

For the balustrade spindles, we handmade over a thousand individual 8mm brass rods, each end scribed precisely to fit its specific position. This level of craftsmanship was essential to the overall design.

We collaborated with several specialist suppliers to source the necessary materials, including a bespoke brass bar extruder in Poland. Throughout the manufacturing process, we maintained rigorous quality control measures to uphold the vision of the project.

The Results

The completed balustrades are a testament to the power of collaboration and uncompromising attention to detail. When viewed from the mezzanine level, the seamless alignment of the bespoke arches creates a breathtaking, circular appearance – a true masterpiece of precision engineering.

The hand-brushed, satin brass finish with a natural wax coating adds warmth and a living quality to the metalwork, perfectly complementing the museum’s historic architecture.

Key Highlights

• Developed highly complex, bespoke balustrade designs in close collaboration with architects, engineers, and other stakeholders
• Handcrafted over 1,000 individual brass spindles, each meticulously scribed to fit its designated position
• Produced multiple mock-ups to refine jointing methods and finish quality
• Sourced specialist materials to meet the project’s unique requirements
• Maintained exceptional quality control throughout the manufacturing process to deliver flawless results

Conclusion

The balustrades crafted by T Nevill & Co for the V&A Photography Centre exemplify our unwavering commitment to precision, collaboration, and technical excellence. By seamlessly integrating our metalworking expertise with the vision of the project’s leading design professionals, we were able to bring this prestigious cultural landmark to life.