BASICS OF GALLERY LIGHTING Dogwood Crossing @ Miles 15 June 2011 This workshop is a partnership between Museum and Gallery Services Queensland and Western Downs Regional Council This workshop has been supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments.
Presented by Gordon Craig Exhibitions Coordinator UQ Art Museum The University of Queensland
Before we discuss lighting What is light?
What is light? Light is electromagnetic radiation in the visible range. The visible range (at least for humans) is approximately 400 to 770 nanometres. Electromagnetic radiation travels at nearly 300 million metres per second (the speed of light) and includes radio waves, infrared, visible light, ultra violet radiation and X-rays (among others).
What is light? The wavelength is established as speed divided by frequency. Frequency is the number of cycles per second, or hertz. Light is considered to have both properties of particles and waves. The smallest quantum (unit) of light is a photon.
What is light? White light is the combination of all of the colour of the spectrum: Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet
Colour Colour is subjective - we can only assume that we each see the same colours. People who are colour blind perceive colours across a narrower range and cannot always clearly differentiate between colours (most commonly between red and green).
Colour and colour temperature Colour temperature is a comparative measurement. A light source s colour temperature is the temperature an ideal black-body radiator would reach to match the hue of the light source. Measured in degrees Kelvin (the unit of absolute temperature), colour temperatures about 5,000 K are considered cool colours, while 2,700-3,200 K are considered warm.
Colour and colour temperature Daylight on a clear day - over 5,000 K Tungsten halogen - approximately 3,200 K Incandescent - approximately 2,700 K
Lux and lumen Lumen is the measure of the amount of light emitted per second by a light source. Lux is a measure of lumen. 1 lux = 1 lumen per square metre. Lux levels decrease as distance from the light source increases.
Luminaires (or lights to you and me) Main types of luminaires: Incandescent Tungsten halogen Dichroic Fluorescent tubes Compact fluorescents LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)
Tungsten halogen general purpose luminaire
Type of tungsten halogen bulb
Tungsten halogen reflector luminaire
Dichroic bulb (Tungsten halogen reflector bulb)
Safety and lighting Electricity poses a great risk. By law the building must be fitted with a safety switch. Electrical fittings should be regularly inspected by a qualified electrician. Staff and volunteers must be trained and familiar with the equipment. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Safe work practices.
Safety and lighting Recommended PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Quality rubber-soled shoes Fibreglass ladder Gloves Eye protection
Safety and lighting Safe work practices Work from behind light fittings (avoiding short-term dazzled effect and long-term eye damage). Check heat of lamps before handling. Avoid unnecessary handling.
Lighting design considerations
Before Time: Re-inventing Tradition in Aurukun Aboriginal Art, UQ Art Museum 2010
Before Time: Re-inventing Tradition in Aurukun Aboriginal Art, UQ Art Museum 2010
Before Time: Re-inventing Tradition in Aurukun Aboriginal Art, UQ Art Museum 2010
Controlling shadows and showing artwork to its best advantage
Before Time: Re-inventing Tradition in Aurukun Aboriginal Art, UQ Art Museum 2010
Before Time: Re-inventing Tradition in Aurukun Aboriginal Art, UQ Art Museum 2010
Before Time: Re-inventing Tradition in Aurukun Aboriginal Art, UQ Art Museum 2010
Ben Quilty Live! UQ Art Museum 2009
Ben Quilty Live! UQ Art Museum 2009
Effects of lighting on artworks and lighting different media
Salon hang
Margaret Olley, Life s Journey, UQ Art Museum 2009
Margaret Olley, Life s Journey, UQ Art Museum 2009
Before Time: Re-inventing Tradition in Aurukun Aboriginal Art, UQ Art Museum 2010