The Sainsbury Wing is linked to the main building by a circular bridge.

The Sainsbury Wing: Introduction page 2 of 2

During 1985, a detailed design brief for the building was drawn up by a committee of National Gallery staff and appointed consultants. This document included requirements for security, maintenance, lighting and air conditioning - as well as the technological aspects relating to them, such as engineering and constructional considerations. In particular, the Gallery made clear the kind of spaces it wanted for the Early Renaissance paintings that would be hung there. A public exhibition of the completed scheme to answer this brief was presented in 1987.

After the criticism of previous schemes for a building on the site, the Venturi scheme received much positive comment. Decisions on materials and finishes were made, and important decisions on lighting were made using a full-size mock-up of a gallery in the building, built at Shepperton Film Studios.

The project took six years to complete from the announcement of funding in April 1985 - to the opening by Her Majesty the Queen in July 1991.

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