When the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), one of Australia's most prestigious cultural institutions, reached out to the Australian Moulding and Door Company (AMDC), it was more than just a request for high-end timberwork. It was an invitation to become part of something extraordinary: a transformative exhibition celebrating the timeless beauty of French Impressionism.
The NGV needed more than just mouldings and doors. They needed authenticity. They needed history. And most of all, they needed partners who understood the subtle nuance of period-perfect design.
French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is now showing at the National Gallery of Victoria until 5 October 2025. Learn more at ngv.vic.gov.au.
Installation view of French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston on display from 6 June to 5 October, at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Sean Fennessy
The Challenge: More Than Just a Fit-Out
The French Impressionist movement is globally revered for its emotional depth, romantic light, and textured aesthetic. To honour that legacy, the NGV set out to design an environment that felt as historically accurate as the artwork itself. This required architectural features that didn’t just complement the art but amplified the visitor experience.
That's where AMDC came in.
Known for our bespoke timber mouldings, custom-engineered doors, and heritage joinery, we were asked to assist in transforming a contemporary gallery space into something that echoed 19th-century France. From elegant wall panelling and stately skirting boards to grand architraves and period-perfect doors, every piece had to embody the grace and sophistication of the Impressionist era.
From Concept to Creation: The AMDC Approach
Our work began with an in-depth consultation with NGV’s curatorial and exhibition design teams. They brought their vision—we brought our tools, expertise, and boundless enthusiasm for detail. Together, we embarked on a journey that would span months of collaborative refinement, innovation, and uncompromising craftsmanship.
Design & Engineering
Led by our in-house engineers and period design consultants, we worked closely with NGV to develop architectural drawings that would form the blueprint for every element in the exhibition space. We examined surviving examples from the late 1800s, assessed contemporary French architecture of the Impressionist period, and replicated key design motifs to ensure every component aligned with the era.
Custom Timber Manufacturing
This was no ordinary build. Each door, moulding, skirting board, and wall panel was custom-manufactured by our expert craftsmen using a combination of traditional joinery techniques and modern precision tools. We used high-grade timber and engineered timber composites, ensuring structural integrity and visual fidelity.
Our specialist routing equipment played a pivotal role in recreating the ornate details typically found in classical French interiors. From subtle curves to dramatic flourishes, every profile was carved, sanded, and finished with meticulous care.
Collaborative Iteration
Throughout the project, we remained in constant dialogue with NGV's team. Every prototype was reviewed, refined, and, where necessary, reworked to meet the gallery's exacting standards. It was a painstaking process, but one that ensured complete alignment between artistic intent and architectural form.
The Final Result: A Space That Tells a Story
The completed installation is nothing short of breathtaking. As you walk through the exhibition, it feels as though you've stepped into a grand salon in 19th-century Paris. The doors stand tall, their craftsmanship echoing the elegance of a bygone era. The skirting boards and architraves frame each room like brushstrokes around a masterpiece. The wall panels add texture, warmth, and a sense of timeless luxury.
And then there is the art—Monet, Renoir, Pissarro—displayed in a setting that feels utterly worthy of their brilliance.
This seamless blend of architecture and art allows each piece to speak more deeply, drawing viewers not only into the work itself but into the world that inspired it.
Installation view of French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston on display from 6 June to 5 October, at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Sean Fenness
Why AMDC?
At Australian Moulding and Door Company, we don't just build doors and mouldings. We build experiences. We bring history into homes, and commercial spaces alike. Our work on the NGV French Impressionism exhibition stands as a proud testament to what we do best: blending craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration to produce something truly exceptional.
Our reputation for high-quality, custom-manufactured products is grounded in a philosophy of detail. Whether it's a heritage renovation, a luxury development, or an internationally acclaimed gallery, we tailor every element to fit the vision and needs of our clients.
What This Means for Our Clients
This project is more than a feather in our cap—it's a live demonstration of our capabilities. It shows what is possible when designers, engineers, and artisans come together under one roof to deliver a vision larger than the sum of its parts.
Whether you're designing a home inspired by Victorian elegance or seeking a striking focal point for a modern space, AMDC is ready to bring your vision to life with the same care, skill, and dedication we brought to the NGV.
Final Thoughts
Working with the National Gallery of Victoria on the French Impressionism project has been one of the most fulfilling endeavours in our 29-year history. It's a partnership built on trust, shared values, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence.
We are immensely proud of the result and honoured to have played a role in presenting one of the world's most beloved art movements in a space that does justice to its beauty.
And as always, if you have a project that requires bespoke craftsmanship and a team that genuinely cares about the details, we’d love to talk.
Don’t miss the chance to experience French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston at NGV International — a stunning exhibition brought to life with the help of Australian craftsmanship. On display until 5 October 2025. Visit ngv.vic.gov.au for tickets and details.
