The Pier Arts Centre in Stromness, Orkney, underwent a recent renovation complete with an updated lighting scheme to beautifully illuminate the artwork on display. Established in 1979, Pier Arts Centre hosts a permanent collection of works by major 20th Century artists Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and Alfred Wallis, as well as contemporary art by Sean Scully, Eva Rothschild and Olafur Eliasson. The Centre also curates a year-round programme of changing exhibitions and events for the general public.
Following a major redevelopment, the Centre reopened in 2007 to award-winning acclaim. The original listed buildings and pier were sympathetically extended to create a stunning new building at the harbours edge. As this original project was completed sometime ago, the lighting needed upgrading to show the artwork to its full effect. Scottish Galleries obtained funding to replace the existing lighting with a more efficient LED equivalent for the updated scheme.
Foto-Ma Lighting Architects were selected to create the lighting design for the project. Enlisting the help of Atrium, lighting solutions providers, alphaLED’s products were specified and subsequently installed. alphaLED products were specified due to their ability to provide high CRI Leading Edge dimmable fixtures with custom wall wash snoot accessories, which were developed by alphaLED in conjunction with Atrium and Foto-Ma.
With its rich history, the Pier Arts Centre acts as a focal point for the local artistic community and the general public, offering access to its library, archive, and programme of education and outreach activities. The modern, design-led illumination from alphaLED is both durable and flexible, to highlight the Centre’s valuable collection for years to come.
Project credits:
Client: Scottish Galleries
Lighting Design: Foto-Ma Lighting Architects
Lighting Solutions Provider: Atrium
