To celebrate its 200th year, and its new entrance The National Gallery has rehung its entire collection and we are so proud to have relit and shone a new light upon one of the world’s most celebrated collections. Our team were onsite for 8 months meticulously completing 72 galleries, working with the gallery’s excellent management, curators, designers, art handlers, conservators, electricians and buildings services teams.

The curators wanted to create the awe and wonder in the cathedral like volumes of the Nave culminating in the stunning set piece of the suspended painted crucifix by Segna di Bonaventura,  lit as light emanating from an altar, while subtle layering of light draws attention to form and detail set against the stunning vista of the enormous Jacopo di Cione’s San Pier Maggiore altarpiece. We created a diffused wrap of light mixed with controlled use of daylight to celebrate the scale and then added highlights allowing each work to glow. In the aisles running either side of the central display the curators wanted to create more intimate/ interior viewing spaces. We achieved this by lowering the datum of the light. We specified subtle light-stopping film to gently reduce daylight levels from the rooflights in comparison to the central areas.

Our designs for the internal lighting of the new bespoke showcases renders exquisite detailing on the smaller artworks and invites close, intimate viewing and a dialogue between these and the larger wall hung masters. It minimises reflection allowing work of varying scales and mediums to be studied. The carefully considered layering of the lighting design allows the narratives and connections to be made across the galleries enriching the visitor experience.

Our light scenography supports the curatorial ambition to create a wondrous journey through the masterpieces of Western Art - a journey where art, architecture and a sense of human collective, creativity and connectivity are seamlessly celebrated.