John D. Crace, 'Original proposal for the decoration of the entrance staircase of the National Gallery', 1887. London, The National Gallery.

The East Wing: Staircase Hall

The area between the Main Portico Entrance and the beginning of the picture galleries is occupied by the Staircase Hall.

Here the quality of the space has been improved by reintroducing to the walls and ceiling the original polychromatic decorative scheme by J.D. Crace, a well-known interior designer of the late Victorian period.

The later white marble casings to the staircase have been removed to reveal the original pink stone. The donor plaques have been relocated in the entrance vestibule and air-conditioning and improved lighting have also been introduced.

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