Point Source Productions at One Marylebone for All Visual Arts

Point Source Productions, working in conjunction with Fine Art Lighting, has provided a custom control solution for the Crypt of prestigious London events venue, One Marylebone.

John Soane’s Neo-Classical masterpiece, One Marylebone was awarded second place, ahead of the London Eye, in Event Magazine’s Top 20 Venues list for 2009. It has recently opened its ornate Crypt for a 6-month installation by Joseph La Placa’s All Visual Arts, with the view to exploring its potential as a permanent gallery space.

“The standard Crypt lighting was very harsh and bright and we wanted to give our client instant access to the atmospheric lighting states we were to program for the exhibition, without them having to resort to the ‘cleaner’s lights’ to find their way to the control desk downstairs,” explains Rupert Barth Von Wehrenalp of Fine Art Lighting.

Point Source Productions, with whom Rupert has worked on several previous projects, recommended and installed a 60-channel dimming solution controlled by an ETC Xpress lighting desk. The ETC Xpress is also used to program an ETC Reflection control panel which has been wall-mounted on the stairs at the entrance to the Crypt. “Now up to 60 pre-programmed lighting states can be recalled by the Reflection at the touch of a button to reveal the beautiful architecture of the Crypt below, and the exhibits, before one descends the staircase into the gallery,” continues Rupert.

The installation went ahead in preparation for the Age of the Marvellous exhibition, a semi permanent exhibition conceived by All Visual Arts to coincide with the Frieze Art Fair. All Visual Arts has no permanent gallery space but operates by a dynamic ethic sourcing temporary spaces for exhibitions which showcase new artists and bring them to the attention of private collectors.

One Marylebone’s Crypt, was chosen as one of these venues, providing a stunning backdrop against which the work of the emerging artists can be viewed. It is therefore important that each exhibit is presented as the artists want them to be seen.

“Artists know their work will look good and be seen by the right people,” explains Rupert whose company specialises in providing dramatic lighting solutions in private homes, galleries and auction houses. “I wanted to achieve a very theatrical look with amazing shadows, and each exhibit spot-lit within its individual space to create a ‘bejewelled’ atmosphere.”

Rupert decided a versatile system was needed which could be easily altered as the exhibitions changed.

“I went to Point Source Productions for the solution as, having worked with Stephen through a network of theatre and art events, I knew he would understand the technicalities of what I wanted. Point Source Productions has provided lighting, cable and control solutions for several projects in the past and I can always rely on them to provide the right kit for the job.”

The outcome has transformed the Crypt at One Marylebone into a fully functioning gallery space, with a versatile lighting solution which allows for changes and relights of exhibits as and when the need arises. The control is centralised and managed to ensure the lighting is maximised for each event.

Photos: Tessa Angus

Fine Art Lighting: www.fineart-lighting.com

All Visual Arts: www.allvisualarts.org

One Marylebone: www.onemarylebone.com