The Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum of Childhood in East London has been given an impressive facelift with the help of a few colourful LEDs.
Housed within an iron structure dating back to 1872 when it was opened as the Bethnal Green Museum, the exhibition space was fitted with a T8 fluorescent lighting system seven years ago, across the central hall with its high, arching ceiling.
However, it was hard to maintain the lights and so lighting company DHA Design was drafted in to rectify this, opting to install a colourful LED scheme which would not only last longer, but would need far less attention, making it easier to maintain, Lux Magazine reported.
Suspended on new stainless steel cables, the new fittings were incorporated into the existing suspension structure fixed to the beams supporting the roof. This meant the design would blend seamlessly into the existing architecture of the iconic building.
Two key aspects of the new scheme which will transform operations at the museum are the fact that it is adaptable and can be programmed to complement certain exhibitions and displays, and that it will use far less power than its predecessor.
This is because LEDs lights can consume up to 50 per cent less electricity than, for example, fluorescent or halogen alternatives, meaning the museum will considerably slash its energy bills now that the new lighting is in place.
It wasn't until 1974 that the building officially become the V&A Museum of Childhood - up until that point it used to take artefacts and pieces which the V&A wasn't sure what to do with. Now, it is a thriving museum in its own right, meaning that it was essential its lighting solution did not cause hassle in terms of maintenance or unnecessarily guzzle expenses.
If you find that you are getting sick of constantly changing light bulbs, you may like to make the switch to LED bulbs for your ceiling light fittings, which will see them burn for longer.
