An extremely challenging project to improve access to the Ashmolean Museum’s Egyptian galleries of ancient Egypt and Sudan is nearing completion. Led by Beard contracts manager Steve Colmer, the construction team has overcome some enormous challenges.  These included having to relocate the museum shop without any disruption, knock down walls and work around priceless, immovable artefacts.

The project team,  including Stuart Cade of Rick Mather Architects, Gareth Hughes of Gardiner & Theobald Management Services also had to keep the museum open as much as possible to avoid reduced income from shops and cafes.

Protecting the 2,700 Year old Shrine of Tahaarqa

The Shrine of Taharqa, which is completely freestanding and made of blocks of light-coloured sandstone carved in raised relief, was reconstructed in the museum during the 1930’s.  Due to its delicate nature, however, it cannot be moved. Surrounded by four structural openings, the shrine was right at the heart of the building works– each entrance required walls and ceilings both above and below to be propped up before demolition, cutting and steel works were inserted. In February, a specially designed temporary structure was constructed to hang over the shine to protect it fully from the surrounding construction work and associated vibration and moisture.

Meanwhile a glass ceiling positioned directly above the shrine had to have its black paint stripped off, so it could be lit from above.  Scaffolding and a platform underneath the roof, but directly above the shrine, gave Steve Lambourne, the Project Manager and his team some worrying moments, as nothing could be dropped onto the shrine below!

Commented Steve Colmer, contracts manager: “This was a very intricate job, but excellent teamwork with the architects, structural engineers, museum staff and Steve Lambourne meant all went smoothly, and we look forward to seeing the Egyptian galleries come alive again later this year.”

As the project is being given its finishing touches, the Beard team will be showing visitors around the site on 10 September, before the galleries reopen in November, as part of Oxford Open Doors, the event organised by Oxford Preservation Trust in partnership with Oxford University.