The Burrell collection vs The Pitt Rivers:

In our lecture we were discussing how spaces are used when displaying art and collections, two examples of contrasting space usage are the Burrell collection opened in Pollock country park in 1983 and the Pitt Rivers, founded in 1884. 

The Burrell collection is based in the countryside, surrounded by parkland. The space seems light and open, the large windows allow the landscape and scenery to be seen by the visitors and the light streaming in compliments the white and brown interior. I believe that the brown ceiling makes a connection to the trees and landscape outside, and seems to allow aspects of the outside scenery to bleed into the interior. I think this provides a contrast to the white floor and walls, which on their own create a very minimalistic and clean cut atmosphere, the white makes the space feel free and spacious. However, paired with the brown tones I think that this grounds the space and brings it back down to earth and I believe that without the brown the room would begin to feel overwhelming, the brown tones provide the eye with a break from all the white. I believe that there is a contrast between the modern style of the building and the art that is being displayed. The high ceiling, smooth pillars and modern lighting allow the space to feel classy and chic. I believe that the way in which the art has been positioned and exhibited contributes to the open and spacious atmosphere, the plinths are spaces out and not clustered together to which allows the viewer to walk around and and examine every angle of the piece. I think that the use of white plinths allows then to feel as if they are just an extension of the floor rather than an object that has been placed on top, they been in and don't distract from the artwork itself.

I believe that the Pitt Rivers is in direct contrast to the Burrell collection, not only with the usage of space but also the colour scheme. The Pitt Rivers seems busy and packed, the artwork and pieces are slotted next to each other in a way that is reminiscent of a flea market. I think that because of this the space feels lively and fun, it's somewhere where you couldn't get bored. the interior looks far more industrial than the Burrell collection, the metal work and framing make it seem as if this building is a repurposed factory, and this paired with the deep browns that have been used on sections of the walls create a comforting and down to earth atmosphere. Due to the lack of windows and artificial light, paired with the cramped pathways trough the building I believe that this area feels far more enclosed and confined that the previous building. However, I think that the high ceiling helps to elevate this feeling slightly. When looking at images of the Burrell collection and the Pitt Rivers side by side I believe that the Pitt Rivers feels far more inviting, the art work seems to take up almost all of the space available and I think there seems to be something happening everywhere you look. However, the Burrell feels far more reserved, although the use of white expands the area and makes it feel bigger it also feels cold.