Head of Sheffield Museums says there's "no option" but to move Graves Gallery out of Central Library
“The failure of the gallery’s heating system means we can no longer provide a welcoming space in the building going forward”
Museum leaders have said that they have “no option” but to move one of Sheffield’s galleries as persistent heating issues at the city’s library are causing issues at its current location.
Earlier this year, Graves Gallery closed its doors due to issues with Sheffield Central Library’s heating systems.
The Grade II listed building on Surrey Street has been covered in hoarding and scaffolding for years now, due to infrastructure issues including safety risks about falling stonework.
Now it has been confirmed that Graves Gallery will have to move locations until refurbishment of the building, which opened in 1934, is complete.
The gallery will officially close on October 31, with some of its collection being moved into storage while the rest is set to go on display at another location in the city centre next year.
Meanwhile the British Art Show 10 multi-site exhibition is still set to go ahead in autumn 2027 as planned, with the work intended to be displayed in Graves Gallery instead featuring at an additional temporary exhibition space at the Millennium Gallery.
Kim Streets, chief executive at Sheffield Museums, said: “For almost a century, the Graves Gallery has been an oasis of inspiration.
“As custodians of the city’s art collection, we work to ensure the collection is here for the people of Sheffield’s to enjoy, inspiring new ideas and greater understanding, and sparking their own creativity.
“As custodians, we are also charged with safeguarding it for the future generations and, over the past few years, we’ve worked closely with Sheffield City Council to navigate the challenges the aging building has presented.
“However, the failure of the gallery’s heating system means we can no longer provide a welcoming space in the building going forward for staff and visitors, or secure the necessary environmental conditions required to keep the collection safe in the long term.
“As such we have no option but to move the collection elsewhere for now.”
The museum haS confirmed that none of the gallery’s collection - which features works from Grayson Perry, JMW Turner, David Hockney and many more - has been damaged due to the current environmental conditions.
Sheffield City Council is currently working on finalising plans for the future of the Central Library, with hopes of improving accessibility while introducing new culture and learning opportunities.
Council leader Fran Belbin described the project as “one of the most significant cultural opportunities Sheffield has seen for many years”.
Kirstie Hamilton, director of programmes at Sheffield Museums, described Graves Gallery as a “nationally significant art collection,” adding: “The people we welcome regularly tell us how impressed they are by the breadth and quality of the works on display, from the awe-inspiring Turner and Cezanne’s beautiful garden, right through tot he very of best of Sheffield talent that the collection celebrates,”
She went on to say that funding from the Ameprsand Foundation has helped offer opportunities to new local talent, and they hope that the refurbished library will help continue this legacy.
“The new interim gallery will ensure that the people of Sheffield, and visitors to the city alike, can continue to find meaningful connections as we work towards returning the collection to its original home,” she added.
“The transformation of the Graves Gallery and Central Library building will allow us to harness the huge potential of the collection, bring world-class art to Sheffield and inspire creativity in people young and old.”