Inside Villeroy & Boch Group's stunning refurb of the Dulwich Picture Gallery

The Dulwich Picture Gallery (DPG), the UK’s first purpose-built public art gallery, has long been celebrated for its architectural and cultural significance. Queen Camilla officially opened the gallery’s refurbished spaces last week, marking a new chapter in its 200-year history. Designed by Sir John Soane and originally opened in 1817, it is a landmark institution in London’s cultural landscape. After undergoing its most ambitious redevelopment in over 20 years, the renowned London landmark is now home to the brand-new ArtPlay Pavilion – an interactive space for children under 8 featuring slides, swings, and sensory elements inspired by the gallery’s historic paintings. 

Integral to this transformation was the attention detail, with this being such an iconic location. The Villeroy & Boch Group provided bathroom solutions that marry heritage sensitivity with modern innovation. Their products were chosen not only for functionality but also for their ability to complement the gallery’s historic architecture and contribute to a sustainable, accessible, and engaging visitor experience. 

The refurbishment demanded products that respected the gallery’s neoclassical interiors while offering modern usability. The Villeroy & Boch Architectura and Onovo collections were selected to fit perfectly into this narrative. Architectura’s clean, sculptural forms echo the gallery’s grandure and heritage, bridging past and present with a quiet confidence. Onovo offers a more contemporary voice – sleek, minimal, and adaptable – providing flexibility to the spaces. Together, they bring a subtle harmony that complements the gallery’s existing architecture.  

Working within a historic building also meant managing constraints such as compact spaces and heritage preservation. That’s where Ideal Standard’s i.Life S range came in, offering compact, clever solutions that respect the intimate scale of the spaces without compromising on comfort or style.  

Family-friendly areas were equipped with Contour 21 Splash WC’s, designed specifically for younger visitors, providing thoughtful design tailored for children and perfectly suited to the gallery’s interactive and family-focused areas.  

Touchless, water-efficient Armitage Shanks Sensorflow 21 taps and toilets supported sustainability targets, delivering a fully sustainable solution with touchless technology that conserves water and supports hygiene, helping the gallery meet BREEAM Excellent requirements.  

Constantin Von Boch, head of A & D Sales Europe, said: “We’re honoured to contribute solutions from our full brand portfolio, across Villeroy & Boch, Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks, to a project that collectively celebrates art, creativity, history, and community. It brings us immense pride to know our products now sit proudly within a listed building of great cultural significance. Supporting Dulwich Picture Gallery, a charity open to the public, brings real meaning to the architecture and design community. 

 

“Collaborations like this demonstrate how thoughtful specification can transform visitor experiences whilst still respecting the heritage and architectural history of a building. Together, these solutions created a cohesive, thoughtfully designed bathroom environment that complemented the gallery’s architecture and enhanced the visitor experience."

Chiara Barrett, senior architect from Carmody Groarke on the Dulwich Picture Gallery redevelopment, said: “Our work at Dulwich Picture Gallery reinterprets Soane’s pioneering architecture for a contemporary audience, creating new spaces that connect people with art, landscape, and light. Through careful design and a commitment to sustainability, we have strengthened the Gallery’s role as a place of learning, creativity, and engagement for generations to come.” 

Reflecting on the project, Sophie Schneider, head of operations from Dulwich Picture Gallery said: “Dulwich Picture Gallery went through the biggest transformation of our site in 25 years and we are very grateful to The Villeroy & Boch Group for their substantial support and generosity on the refurbishment of our bathrooms in the new ArtPlay Pavilion, Canteen and existing toilets. The historic brand of Dulwich Picture Gallery aligned perfectly with the rich heritage of the Villeroy & Boch, Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks brands, bringing together tradition and innovation in a truly modern way. 

 

“The refurbished bathrooms now offer a smart, contemporary design that enhances the visitor experience, while respecting the Gallery’s unique character. The Villeroy & Boch Group were an absolute joy to work with – professional, collaborative, and committed to excellence from start to finish.”