Great British Lighting

c u s t o m l i g h t i n g f o r p u b l i c s p a c e

H e r i t a g e

CI/SfB

(63)

D e s i g n

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.

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We believe in exploring an individual design solution

not imposing a standard product selection

Proposed wall light

Ashridge Business School

Renovated wall light

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

Proposed torchiere

London Colosseum

C r e a t e O n e

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.

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Tw o I n s p i r e

E x a l t F i v e

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.

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S i x I m p r e s s

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.

There is no room for standard product here

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Re-created Foyer wall light

Westminster Central Hall

I m p r e s s S e v e n

E i g h t R e s p c t

R e s p e c t N i n e

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.

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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.

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Te n E n r i c h

Tw e l v e C r e a t e

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.

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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

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We believe in exploring an individual design solution

not imposing a standard product selection

Great British LightingDenham Way, Fleetwood, Lancashire. FY7 6PRTelephone: 01253 873503 Fax: 01253 778895

E-mail: sales@greatbritishlighting.co.uk Web: www.greatbritishlighting.co.uk