Well, the project is now finished as was a great success. The colour of the light was very complimentary and gradually came in as the night darkened. Here are some photos of the show copyright Alan Edwards. Much thanks to Alan for taking some great shots.
Here, I hope to document some of the findings of my MA for others to read and, hopefully, gain knowledge and interest from.
The project began in 2007 with an idea that I would like to recreate stage lighting of the past. My original idea was to replicate the lighting and equipment through a range of eras to see how it would have looked. I began to realise that this would not necessarily be viable (risk assessment for limelight anyone? no?) and with the help of Mr. Joe Stathers-Tracey, began to look at how the light might be recreated using something else…something modern.
Since then, I have been focusing on Shakespeare’s stage. I felt that if I had moved on to another era, this particular one would not be covered in a any great detail and there really is so much to do!
The project is broken down in to a few sub-projects:
- The colour temperature of the candle-light. Tallow candles were used which produce a difference colour flame to modern day paraffin candles.
- Making this colour using LED colour mixing. My next project will be to create the colour of candle light that is not necessarily metameric but that looks the same to the eye when in a black space. This can be used for basic shows and practical lanterns where the reflection of light is very minimal. Next I will try to match the colour metamerically using a range of colours to mach the spectral diagram of the candle. This will be more difficult and less cost effective but will provide a more accurate result.
- The flicker of the candles. Incorporating this into the recreation.
- The spread of light. LEDs are quite directional so making the light spread as much as a candle would.
- Adding all of this in to chandeliers and footlights that seem realistic yet have no naked flames.
If you wish to use any of the information on this site, please contact me on emma.armstrong@blueyonder.co.uk Hope you find it useful and interesting. -Emma.
