Roller blinds
National Portrait Gallery, London
Providing shade for one of the most famous art galleries in the world is just another example of ultimate product versatility and unparalleled quality, fit for even the most popular public tourist attractions.
Overview
National Portrait Gallery, London:
Since 1896, the NPG has served as an integral piece in the shape of the Trafalgar Square skyline.
A lot has changed in the world of shading since the Victorian era, yet the character and classical aesthetic of the National Portrait Gallery remains a staple of this global tourist attraction.
Umbra was selected to supply the blinds for the newly refurbished east section of the building, including the new Audrey Green cafe on the ground floor.
Design Challenge
Umbra Select Dealers and commercial shading experts Labetts (visit their website here) were instructed to install roller blinds to the windows on the east-facing side of the building as part of an extensive three-year refurbishment programme.
Discretion was the order of the project, with glare control and outward views serving as auxiliary priorities.
Given the heavy-public footfall, a robust, ‘public-proof’ system was needed; one that can’t be interfered with by well-meaning yet heavy-handed tourists.
Solution
Labetts opted for our Helios crank-op blinds with a Spectrum 5010 3% screen fabric.
The fabric provides a harmonious balance between glare reduction and outward visibility, with a dark finish that looks subtle but classic in any space.
Helios is an incredibly robust system designed to last – backed up by its 12-year warranty.
Detachable crank operation serves as a cost-effective way to disable interference from members of the public. Ideally, a motorised solution is always recommended as cranking multiple long-drop blinds open and closed every day is clearly time consuming for staff. However, these blinds were specified more for their glare control abilities and aesthetics and are likely kept in a single permanent position at half-open.
The beautiful black powder-coated round hembar adds a touch of quality to the most visible part of the blind; sitting at eye level with the public each day.
