Ashmolean Museum, England Gallery
Oxford
The bust of King Henry VIII within the England Gallery at the Ashmolean
Introduction
The England Gallery at the Ashmolean Museum presents one of the most comprehensive displays of England’s archaeological heritage, tracing its social, political, and religious history from 400 to 1600 AD. The collection offers a vivid insight into how belief, craftsmanship, and power evolved across the centuries — from the early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to the turbulent Tudor age.
At its heart stands the celebrated Alfred Jewel, the gallery’s centrepiece and a masterpiece of Anglo-Saxon goldsmithing associated with King Alfred the Great. Crafted from gold and cloisonné enamel, the Jewel exemplifies the precision and sophistication of early English design. The Minster Lovell Jewel, also displayed here, provides a fascinating counterpoint — equally intricate yet lesser known, it represents the quiet refinement of late medieval artistry.
London Atelier’s comprehensive gallery designs delivering precision, craftsmanship, and sustainable museum design excellence
Alfred Jewel, the gallery’s centrepiece at the England Gallery
Visually floating showcases have integrated seating in some areas
The lighting and presentation within the fine showcases enhance the precious exhibition pieces
The Museum’s Exhibition Systems
Religion forms a central theme within the gallery, illustrating the enduring influence of monastic communities and the profound changes brought by the Reformation. A striking marble bust of Henry VIII symbolises his dramatic break from the Catholic Church in pursuit of his divorce from Catherine of Aragon, displayed alongside his father’s richly embroidered funeral pall. Other artefacts reveal the darker side of faith and politics, including a reliquary casket depicting the martyrdom of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and rare objects linked to the imprisonment of those condemned as heretics for challenging established doctrine.
The first phase of the England Gallery redevelopment was directed by museum specialist Pouya Zamanpour, who established the gallery’s technical and spatial systems for long-term evolution. Under his direction, a local supply chain was engaged to develop prototype display systems and prepare for future interventions.
Henry VII’s funeral pall is on display, forming a striking visual backdrop as well as a magnificent centrepiece within the gallery
The Design Delivery
London Atelier undertook the subsequent refit and redevelopment, expanding the display and reorganising the object narrative. The practice delivered a comprehensive exhibition design service, including graphics, lighting, construction management, and procurement.
The existing space was sensitively re-used, incorporating new display units and utilising the original infrastructure. A custom BIM system developed for the project enabled collaboration with local suppliers and created a re-usable template for future upgrades - demonstrating London Atelier’s commitment to long-term client support and sustainable gallery lifecycle design.
The bust of King Henry VIII within the England Gallery at the Ashmolean
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