CI/SfB (63)
Great British Lighting
H c u s t o m
e r i t a g e
l i g h t i n g
f o r
p u b l i c
s p a c e
Design
We believe in exploring an individual design solution not imposing a standard product selection
B
ack in 1901 we began making lighting and we were in good company. Every town had its own foundry, and almost every street boasted a Smithy or a metal working shop.
Churches, Town Halls, Libraries, Court Houses and Theatres were built, furnished and illuminated by these local craftsmen. Architects, designers and engineers were more creative than ever before, craft skills were abundant and labour was cheap.
As a result, architectural details such as light fixtures were always individually commissioned to complement the overall design of each new building. Today, almost a century later, we see no reason for this to change.
Proposed wall light
Renovated wall light
Proposed torchiere
Ashridge Business School
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
London Colosseum
Create One
Tw o I n s p i r e
R
econciling the various demands placed upon ecclesiastical lighting is a great challenge for any lighting designer or architect, particularly in older churches where there is little natural daylight available.
High ceilings mean that artificial light often struggles to reach the point at which it is needed, and if not planned for in advance, simply changing light bulbs can become a major exercise.
Thanks to advances in modern light source technology, it is no longer necessary to compromise grace and beauty for light output, easy maintenance and low running costs. We can advise on various kinds of long life or high output light sources and how best to integrate them into new or existing fixtures.
Specialist manual or powered winch systems are also available allowing chandeliers to be cleaned and re-lamped quickly by just one person with no need for an access platform.
Exalt Five
T
he traditional craft metalworking skills used to produce decorative lighting can also be applied to other areas, such as the magnificent Rood Screen shown here.
We are able to work in a wide range of materials including Aluminium, Brass, Copper, Wrought Iron, Stainless and Mild Steels. An extensive choice of surface finishes is available to further enhance each metal substrate.
Details of other non-lighting commissions are available on request.
Six Impress
There is no room for standard product here
P
ublic buildings serve many diverse functions, from the serious business of the courthouse to the gentler diversions of the theatre.
In each instance a reliance on artificial lighting is prevalent. The design and tone of lighting helps to set the scene, firstly by removing the visitor from his normal surroundings and placing him in some other environment, one that is often brighter or altogether more softly lit than the world outside. The scale of such buildings often dictates that the lighting is plentiful, varied in its form and function, but always beautiful to behold.
There is no room for standard product here, each piece must compete for existence with other rare and beautiful creations. In such grand surroundings the first role of decorative lighting is illuminating itself, vainly showing its own beauty in the very best light.
Re-created Foyer wall light Westminster Central Hall
Impress Seven
Eight Respct
Respect Nine
S
uspended from slender chains, imposing yet graceful chandeliers make for a dramatic focal point in any formal public space. In the example on page eight, the lighting has been designed as a complement not only to the scale of the room but also to the colour palette of its decoration. The tradition and
authority of the design is in perfect balance with the nature of the business that is conducted below.
On this page, the lighting is used more as a form of punctuation. The impressive height of the ceiling creates a large empty void within the room; this is countered by the use of a long suspension on the chandelier which serves to visually reconnect the ceiling with the floor.
Details found in the staircase and mirror frame have been echoed in the arms and bezels of the chandelier, thus reinforcing one of the few decorative elements in this very restrained, yet powerful, interior.
Te n E n r i c h
A
s you like it. Whether it’s a completely new design or the renovation of existing fixtures, one piece or a whole scheme, by working directly with a genuine manufacturer the end product will be exactly as you want it.
The lighting scheme at The London Palladium, shown here and opposite, creates a sense of drama and occasion even when the curtain is down and the stage is empty. The contrast in the light, bright public areas and the rich, intimate ambience of the auditorium provides a perfect demonstration of the versatility that can be incorporated into a custom designed and manufactured lighting scheme.
Many fixtures can be designed or modified for use with dimmer controls, or as emergency lighting, ensuring that the magical atmosphere within the theatre is never broken by intrusive, or inappropriate standard products.
With our extensive experience of working on some of Britain’s most famous buildings we can promise a polished performance, no comedy of errors and no restoration drama.
Tw e l v e C r e a t e
T
radition may hold sway in the manufacture of our light fixtures, with hand and eye our most sophisticated tools, but in the design
and pre-production process technology is definitely in the ascendancy.
Our sophisticated computer aided design system allows us to provide clients with accurate visual representations of their creations, simplifying the approvals process, removing the need for costly prototypes and accelerating the lead time from concept development to final production.
From these designs, 3D models, working engineering and electrical drawings, and even costing information can be produced.
This process ensures that you get exactly what you approved, on time and for the agreed price.
The ability to create these virtual light fixtures quickly and economically further undermines the argument for compromising on a standard product.
A
cknowledgements
Arts Team at RHWL Blackburn with Darwen Council, Architects Department Edinburgh City Council Francis Roberts Architects Harwood Design Holy Trinity Church, Southport NJSR Chartered Architects Phoenix Large - Light Matters Ltd Really Useful Theatres Richard Griffiths Associates St John’s Church, Preston St George’s Church, Preston St Peter’s Cathedral Church, Lancaster Sutton Vane Associates Theatre Royal, Drury Lane The Institute of Directors, Pall Mall The London Palladium The Magistrates Courts, Blackburn The Usher Hall, Edinburgh
We believe in exploring an individual design solution not imposing a standard product selection
Great British Lighting Denham Way, Fleetwood, Lancashire. FY7 6PR Telephone: 01253 873503 Fax: 01253 778895 E-mail: sales@greatbritishlighting.co.uk Web: www.greatbritishlighting.co.uk