Society of Light and Lighting publish updated guidance for museums and galleries

The Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) are pleased to announce the launch of a brand-new edition of Lighting Guide 8: Lighting for Museums and Galleries. Written by Lighting Designer, Mark Sutton Vane, this revision replaces the 2015 edition of the guide.

SLL Lighting Guide 8 is aimed at those who bear responsibility for the design, management and operation of lighting within the context of museums and galleries. This includes lighting designers, architects, exhibition designers, interior designers and electrical engineers who are directly involved with design aspects. Also, curators, managers and the operational staff of museums who have direct responsibility for day-to-day management, installation and operation of museum lighting.

Written in a time of unprecedented change in lighting, this Guide tackles changes and developments in the lighting technology used, new legislation, controls protocols and developments in research relating to conservation. This publication incorporates material from the previous edition. The Society acknowledges the material provided by previous authors and contributors.

Referring to two technological revolutions in the world of lighting, Mark Sutton Vane prioritised the development of LED technology, along with the internet of things, in relation to their application in the museum and art gallery setting. Additionally, whilst addressing the changes to lighting practice, technology and approach, Mark also identified the areas that remained constant in terms of lighting a museum or gallery space.

“The lighting designer can make the human being respond in a way that tells the story of the museum and the design, working with the rest of the design team to tell the right story so that an exhibition can be seen and appreciated.”

Mark also considered the range of related specialists involved in designing for museums and art galleries. Along with architects and engineers, the lighting designer may also be working alongside curators and conservators with specialist knowledge of the artifacts being displayed and the conditions they require. This guide identifies some of the challenges and considerations presented by conservation requirements, mitigating any potential risk of light damage to the artifacts.

Mark Sutton Vane established the independent lighting consultancy Sutton Vane Associates in 1995. Sutton Vane Associates designs lighting for schemes all over the world, including the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, The National Museum of Oman, The Europe Galleries in the V&A and the Titanic in Belfast.

Members of the Society of Light and Lighting receive unlimited online access to all Guidance from the SLL and the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers, with the option to purchase hard copies at a heavily reduced rate. All guidance is available to purchase as pdf or hard copy via www.sll.org.uk.