George Gilbert Scott’s High Victorian Gothic style makes extensive use of simple pointed arches, which you can see here in the splendid vaulted ceiling, with its sandstone ribs. Look at the encaustic floor tiles, which are original to the building. Tiles like these continue the gothic style, and use a process where the patterning is created with different colours of clay, rather than glaze pigments. This hardwearing medieval technique was revived in the 19th Century. Scott’s original wall colour scheme and stencil pattern have been re-created here. You may have noticed the impressive polished red granite pillars. The capitals at the top have a decorative carved leaf design. Between 2005 and 2010, The McManus and its external streetscape were refurbished by Page\ Park Architects. Working in the spirit of its Gothic architecture, they reinstated the original proportions of the galleries, and created a new arched glass entrance, internal stair and lift housing. As you tour the building, look out for the vesica pisces shape. This simple ellipse shape is used in interior details that link the building with its external environment. Compare the new shuttered concrete housing of the lift, the external garden walls and paving of the external streetscape, with the features of Gilbert Scott’s original building. Now walk through the white arch alongside the busts of Victoria and Albert, into the “What is a Museum” display.