The client

The Whitechapel Gallery in Aldgate, London, displays contemporary art from across the world and plays a central role in London’s cultural landscape. For the past one hundred years, the Gallery has played host to world-class artists from modern masters such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Frida Kahlo to contemporaries such as Sophie Calle, Paul Noble, Thomas Struth, Sarah Lucas and Mark Wallinger.

The Gallery itself occupies a distinctive arts and crafts building designed by Charles Harrison Townsend and was completed in 1901. This centre for contemporary art is responsible for displaying and safeguarding works of art that run into millions of pounds - so the specification and installation of a sophisticated and robust fire alarm and security system is of vital importance.

The challenge

The Gallery was undertaking an ambitious £13.5 million project to expand into the former Whitechapel Library next door. Scomac, the main contractor, required a highly trustworthy and professional security company to specify and install a suitable system that would meet the requirements of the art insurers, as well as work within the confines of a four story historic building.

The solution

Originally Scomac selected Red Alert to undertake the installation of the specialist intruder alarm and CCTV system. They were so impressed with the expertise of Red Alert security surveyors and the quality of the work they extended the remit to include the maintenance of a major fire alarm system throughout the entire complex.

Red Alert continues to work with Scomac and has subsequently been awarded the security contract for a number of high profile buildings within the Capital.