Tate Modern director marks ‘day one’ as gallery prepares to reopen

• Video report by Rachel Younger

The director of the Tate Modern has said the gallery’s reopening marks “day one” in its history and warned a second coronavirus lockdown would be a “catastrophe”.

The gallery on the South Bank in London - as well as the Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives - will reopen to the public on Monday July 27 with social distancing measures in place.

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"After days of darkness and stillness we now switch on Kara Walker’s Fons Americanus," Frances Morris said as the 13 metre-high fountain piece in the Turbine Hall began to flow again.

The Tate galleries - relaunching with exhibitions of Andy Warhol, Aubrey Beardsley and Naum Gabo - have introduced measures including advanced booking, as well as one-way systems and enhanced cleaning regimes to combat coronavirus.

Visitors are also encouraged to wear face coverings.

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