Request: Lighting Advice for Textile Show

[Admin]

Reposting this for Fernanda Bennett (fernandabennett@nassaumuseum.com):

Hello!

I am seeking lighting advice for exhibitions - specifically a textile show we just opened that simply looks "flat" and secondarily - advise on upgrading existing light systems plus - long term - lighting needs for our new addition/building slated for completion in 2012.

For our immediate needs, a freelance lighting professional would be ideal. I welcome hearing from you but should note I will be away beginning May 23 through 27, 2008. Happy Holiday!

Many thanks for your time.

[Gaian]

I looked at your post with interest. The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, MD recently had the Gee's Bend Exhibit. I approached the lighting of the quilts as I would approach any object. The quilts for Gee's Bend were predominantly flat art, so to speak, not a lot of texture in them, I did manage to get some of the texture to pop in the quilts that had corduroy on the surface.

I approach lighting with the eye of a photographer, where my training lies. Many of the text books I have seen on museum lighting are really inadequate. It is one thing to put light on an object and another to make it look good.


My suggestion to you is to move the light around until you can get the look and texture you want out of the object. You may have to light it rather obliquely then use another light as a fill in for the shadows created by the "Main" light.

[Gaian]

It is difficult to offer advice on upgrading your present lighting system without knowing what you have installed now and what your future goals and expansion plans are for your space.

there are any number of manufacturers out there that would be happy to offer advice, Take it with a grain of salt!! I would advise you to contact a local lighting designer to help with this request. and have that person make several proposals in writing.