RAPHAEL COURT
V&A, SOUTH KENSINGTON, LONDON

Studio ZNA worked with architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and the V&A team to renovate one of the most well known galleries in the UK. Completed in November 2020, a new decorative scheme and infrastructure was introduced in the Raphael Court to reveal the Cartoons’ extraordinary details and vibrant palette. Acoustic panelling was added to create a calmer environment, and bespoke furniture to sit and enjoy the works at leisure. State-of-the-art LED lighting was designed to reduce reflections on the glass and produce a marked increase in visibility of the works.

Studio ZNA devised a flexible lighting solution to illuminate the cartoons uniformly whilst taking careful consideration of all conservation requirements. The lighting scheme brought these wonderful artworks to the fore within the space, bringing the visitors’ eye directly to them.

The glory of the space itself is also celebrated by rendering key architectural elements with light. The lighting scheme will provide a separate system for special events with remote controlled light fittings and colour changing luminaires so the system can be adapted to any event layout with decorative elements. Both Exhibition and Event lighting systems can be controlled with wireless controllers, providing flexibility and fast adjustment times thus minimising previous requirement for additional equipment.

The Raphael Cartoons are among the greatest treasures of the Renaissance in the UK. They remained in the Royal Collection and were lent to the South Kensington Museum – now the V&A – by Queen Victoria in 1865 in memory of Prince Albert, and they have been on public display in the museum ever since.

Architecture: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

Awards:
LIT Lighting Design Award - Honourable Mentions in Visitor Experience & Museum Exhibition, 2022
IES Merit Award - Illumination Awards Merit Award Recipient, 2022
DNA Paris Award - Winner in Interior/Lighting Design category, 2022