Lighting Design Collaboration for Pirates exhibition
Location: National Maritime Museum, London
Lead Lighting Designer: Lucy Record (Record Lighting)
Objective: Collaborate on the lighting design from Stage 2 (Concept Design) to Stage 5 (Completion) for Pirates, a major temporary exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in London. The lighting strategy supports immersive storytelling and object interpretation, balancing atmospheric environments with clear visitor navigation and compelling artifact presentation.
Scope:
. Lighting Design Collaboration (Stages 2 to 5): Participated throughout the full design and delivery process, from concept development to final commissioning. Ensured the lighting approach remained cohesive, narrative-driven, and responsive to curatorial intent, while meeting technical and conservation standards.
. Object Display and Focused Illumination: Developed lighting solutions that enhance the visibility and interpretive clarity of diverse objects - from historical artefacts to large-scale set pieces - providing adaptable illumination that supports both dramatic moments and detailed viewing.
. Scenic Enhancement: Applied lighting techniques that reveal and complement the exhibition’s architectural setting and immersive scenic environments. Highlighted textures, forms, and spatial transitions to strengthen the thematic journey and maintain visual coherence throughout the narrative.
. Technical Execution: Collaborated closely with the technical and installation teams to refine fixture selection and placement, adjust intensity and colour temperature, and ensure the scheme delivered consistent performance across the exhibition.
Outcome:
A dynamic and atmospheric lighting design that enriches the storytelling of Pirates, enhancing both artefacts and immersive environments. The final scheme supports visitor engagement and clarity while maintaining adaptability and technical robustness throughout the exhibition’s duration.
