This space which is a fine period interior proved difficult in terms of lighting to its occupants. Simply, the light levels over the meeting table and Foreign Secretary’s desk were inadequate. The need to respect the interior fabric of the building whilst improving the illumination drove the solution to design an appropriately styled chandelier that contained fibre optic spotlights to enhance the levels.

The special chandeliers were designed and developed to incorporate three lighting elements, each separately switched, ambient light from a cut crystal bowl, illumination in the glass shades, and the fibre optic spotlights whose source was contained in the body of the chandelier. Each element was then pre-programmed to create a variety of lighting scenarios that could be used for the varying activities in the room.

Client: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Architect: Cecil Denny Highton