Following the last discussion with directors of TM Lighting, Andrew Molyneux and Harry Trigg, we asked for their top five tips to consider when lighting an artwork at home. We are delighted to share these with you:

 

Top Five Tips For Lighting Art

 

  1. Quality of Light - To achieve the best quality of light, use the Three Cs approach. This is the most important element to get right with lighting art to ensure the artwork colour is accurately perceived.

 

  1. Reflections - Even with the best anti-reflective glazing, there can still be reflection and glare on artworks. Reflections can be minimised by considering the position of the lighting and the location of the artwork within the room. Consider the main positions where you will view your artwork and always try to ensure that any reflections would not be directly viewed. By placing lighting correctly, visible reflections in artworks can be hugely reduced. Additionally, avoid placing glazed artworks directly opposite large windows.


    Private Residence London Photograph by Andrew Beasley

 

  1. Brightness - The level of brightness is partially a matter of taste, although overlighting can disrupt its mood or tone. For example, black pigments can become bolder under less light and some colours can balance better with less light too. We recommend seeking professional advice regarding brightness decisions for paintings.  

 

  1. Conservation - LED is an ideal light source for conservation because they are generally only made up of the visible light spectrum which minimises harmful ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) light, the cause of significant fading. LED also generally does not produce forward heat, which again is a damaging factor in conservation. We can measure the brightness to set the correct levels and ensure that a canvas is as evenly lit as possible to allow greater control of the light intensity on the canvas.

 

  1. Environment - Lighting is dependent on the artwork and its environment. In a classical setting, we recommend using picture lights instead of spotlights. Although both are highly effective at lighting art, using picture lights provides a more precise lighting tool in comparison with spotlights, which can create ‘scallops’ of light above the artwork. In a contemporary environment, there may be more flexibility to use a discreet track and spotlight solution, giving flexibility in the lighting scheme particularly if the client has a rolling/curated art collection. Every lighting project is unique, however, and we offer a bespoke service to all clients to suit their personal tastes and selections.

 

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