An uplifting visit to the Forrester extension

Published on 16 January 2026

Former custodians, directors and staff celebrate the installation of the Forrester Gallery’s first elevator.

The days of manouvering expensive, and sometimes priceless, works of art up the wooden suspended staircase of the Forrester Gallery will soon be over – with the installation of a new elevator in the extension.

Friday 16 January saw a brief visit to the work site by Warwick Smith, Vern Hayes, John Mitchell and Rob Douglas – all of whom were more than acquainted with manhandling art work up the notoriously noisy staircase in the former Bank of New South Wales building.

Arts, Culture and Libraries Manager Chloe Searle was pleased to invite them to celebrate the new elevator: “Warwick, Vern, John and Rob have all been important people in the long-term ambition of expanding the Forrester Gallery, and like me have all put their backs into shifting artworks around our building the old-fashioned way. We’ve all wanted a gallery that’s accessible to all, and protects our backs, knees and the artwork we care for!”

The new elevator will run from the basement, up to the top floor, allowing greater accessibility for visitors exploring the gallery. It has a carrying capacity of up to 17 people, or 1275kg.

Connecting doorways from the existing gallery through to the new building are being cut in next week, making good use of existing or former windows.

Work is moving at pace inside the gallery, as contractors install the electrical system including the solar system for the roof.

If you are interested in sponsoring a gallery block, or stair riser, opportunities are still available!

ENDS

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