‘Inspiring People’ is a display of over 1,000 artworks at the National Portrait Gallery. As part of the three-year refurbishment programme, lighting designers StudioZNA were appointed to deliver the best lighting solution throughout these Grade 1 listed galleries.
The gallery is home to both a collection of sculptures as well as artwork and light-sensitive works on paper. As a result, StudioZNA designed the scheme which allowed each piece to be carefully illuminated but at very low light levels to limit exposure.
Part of this solution was to specify fibre optics from Light Projects. Fibre optics are a popular choice for displays and showcase lighting as projectors can be sited away from the showcase and feed multiple end points providing heat-free close proximity illumination.
Nova downlights were connected to the light harness to provide powerful but discreet illumination to the showcases. The Nova range comprises 22mm interior adjustable downlights with a unique dimple feature for sharp tilting. They are 360° adjustable and tilt 35° all around and up to 50° at the dimple point. They feature a pioneering lock button system allowing users to freely adjust and lock without using tools by simply pulling the front of the fitting to adjust beam angles.
These fittings are powered by the 6W LED light generators in a 3000k warm white with a pre-fitted potentiometer mounted onto the driver for easy dimming. Silent, compact, versatile and energy-efficient dimmable, light generators are ideal for small starry skies, saunas, display cases and joinery or single fitting installations.
(Top photo: Gareth Gardner)
