HomePart 6 of Inclusive Exhibition Design Toolkit

Lighting

Image shows a view of well-lit objects in cases, on plinths and on the walls in Teeth exhibition.
Teeth, Michael Bowles. Source: Wellcome Collection. Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).

Principles for lighting

Lighting design should contribute to the exhibition’s narrative, enhance each individual object and installation, and help visitors to navigate the exhibition with confidence. 

We regularly exhibit objects that require low light exposure, which can sometimes be misunderstood by visitors as intentionally ‘atmospheric’ lighting design. We therefore use signage to explain the reasons to visitors (such as “This exhibition has low light levels to prevent fading and damage to light-sensitive objects”).

We aim to always test proposed case-object-label interrelationships with true samples, heights and angles under gallery lights before going fully into production on furniture and texts. We can facilitate this type of prototyping and testing in either of our temporary exhibition spaces when exhibitions are closed to the public. 

Guidelines for lighting objects and texts

  • Lighting designers should be able to access and review all elements of the proposed 3D design scheme, including floor plan, hood heights and the relationships between objects and labels
  • Consider the relationship between lighting and AV screens and projected images
  • Ensure that there are sufficient numbers of lights to light objects and their labels in a way that does not clash, cast shadow or cause glare on either when viewed by visitors from a range of heights – including seated
  • Consider ways in which lighting design can enhance the hierarchy of exhibition texts, such as by using distinct ways of lighting section texts and labels consistently throughout the exhibition
  • If an object is particularly light-sensitive and requires low light exposure, consider ways to display it in higher light levels for limited periods, such as by using proximity sensors that brighten as a visitor approaches or using a timer (alongside an image or video of the object)

We invite designers to collaborate with conservators and registrars to develop innovative solutions that balance the needs of objects and visitors and lessen the negative impact of low lighting on visitor experience. 

Image shows a speech-to-text tour with a small group of people taking place in the Teeth exhibition.
STT tour of Teeth, Thomas S.G. Farnetti. Source: Wellcome Collection. Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).

A speech-to-text tour with a small group of people taking place in the ‘Teeth’ exhibition.

Guidelines for ambient lighting  

  • Lighting should help visitors to identify the exhibition’s entrance and feel welcomed. Inside the exhibition, ambient lighting should help visitors to experience and navigate with confidence including all texts and large-print guides
  • Sudden transitions between low and bright light levels can be disorienting or visually difficult for some people
  • Any potential difficulties with thresholds, level changes and trip hazards should be eased by the ambient lighting scheme
  • Elements that help to pace and punctuate the exhibition’s flow, such as section text panels and rest stops, can be signalled by consistent changes in lighting style
  • Consider the ways in which galleries are used as social space. Is the ambient lighting level suitable to allow easy conversation?
  • We often programme group visits, including D/deaf-led tours in which British Sign Language and lip reading are the primary forms of communication. Pools of light regularly paced around the exhibition will enable groups of participants to see one another clearly

More from Inclusive Exhibition Design Toolkit

Part1

Our design vision

Introducing our toolkit for creating inclusive and accessible exhibitions.

Part2

Threshold and signage

Create thresholds and signage to help our visitors feel welcomed and confident.

Part3

Circulation and rest

Everything you need to consider to create well-paced exhibitions with easy visitor flow.

Part4

Object display

Detailed points to contemplate when designing beautiful, accessible displays.

Part5

Audiovisual work

Positioning, measurements and guidelines for the project team to consider.

Part7

Exhibition texts

The elements to consider when producing exhibition texts, including labels and panels.

Part8

Gallery guides and large-print guides

Making key elements in gallery guides consistent in style.

Part9

Accessible and multisensory interpretation

About providing layered interpretation of exhibitions in a range of formats.

Part10

Thanks

Thank you to our contributors, consultants and critical friends who have been essential in informing and shaping this research.