AUDITORIUM LIGHTING / SHELDONIAN THEATRE, OXFORD, UK
Simon Dove, Associate at Hoare Lea Lighting, describes the new lighting scheme at one of Christopher Wren’s architectural gems.
PEARL IN THE SHELL
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The Sheldonian Theatre is one of Sir Christopher Wren’s most celebrated buildings - in 1994 it was described by the European Commission as “one of the architectural jewels of Oxford”. Its purpose was to provide a secular venue for the principal meetings and public ceremonies of the University. This remains its purpose today, being the principal assembly room of Oxford University, and the regular meeting-place of Congregation, the body of resident Masters of Arts that controls the University’s affairs. It is also available for hire for music recitals and similar functions. The Sheldonian was constructed between 1664 and 1669 and was funded by Gilbert Sheldon, Warden of All Souls College and later Archbishop of Canterbury. The design of the building was derived from the Roman theatre of Marcellus, as illustrated by Sebastiano Serlio in his Architecture 1540, which was open to the sky. Hoare Lea Lighting was commissioned to design a new scheme that would improve the
quality of the lighting, bring the equipment up to date and accommodate events, while remaining sympathetic to the historic surroundings and architecture. Significant conservation and restoration work was ongoing - this included the return of the colour scheme to the original Christopher Wren interior. One of the dominant features of the space is the painted ceiling, by Robert Streater, Serjeant Painter to King Charles II. It comprises 32 separate panels, showing ‘Truth descending upon the Arts and Sciences to expel Ignorance from the University’. The largest panel measures more than 6.0 x 3.6 metres. Following investigations into the suspected movement of the timber cornicing around the perimeter of the auditorium in 2004, the decision was taken to remove all 32 painted canvas ceiling panels from site for conservation and repair. Reinstatement of the ceiling was completed in 2008. As part of the new lighting design the intention was to give this
The Concord Lytespan 3 three-circuit track system provides a flexible lighting system to accommodate various types of spotlight.
more prominence within the space. The lighting scheme preceding Hoare Lea’s solution was installed in 1963. It comprised four large brass chandeliers that dominated the theatre and interrupted views to the restored painted ceiling. The chandeliers also inhibited views from the upper balcony to the theatre space below. Wall mounted, column mounted and pendant luminaires were also used to light the space, but these detracted from the overall appearance. Furthermore the lighting did not provide enough light for events and temporary lighting was required. Hoare Lea Lighting’s concept was to create a scheme that would reflect Wren’s original design. The chandeliers, the wall and column mounted fittings and the pendant luminaires were removed and the building was lit from a number of concealed positions.
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