Lighting Links with St Andrews
13th March '14
Chelsea Lighting Design have recently contributed to another stage in the refurbishment of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews was founded on 14 May 1754 with the first Challenge for the Silver Club. Evolving over 250 colourful years of British history, it has grown from a small society of no fixed abode into a club whose membership of around 2,500 extends worldwide.
The building itself encapsulates over 150 years of history, during which it has grown upwards and outwards but, at its core, the original 1854 structure remains. As the membership of the Club expanded and its requirements changed, so too the building was enlarged or modified : eight building phases, carried out between 1854 and 2002, have brought the Clubhouse to its present state. Each architectural phase was designed to stay in sympathy with the previous one, allowing the building to retain its visual unity.
The R&A's Heritage Department safeguards 600 years of golfing history from their base in St Andrews. Responsible for the collections of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club and British Golf Museum, the Museum and Heritage Curators care for a huge collection of golfing memorabilia, trophies, medals and valuable works of art, some dating from the late 17th century to the present day.
Big Room
The Big Room is the heart of the Club. On its walls hang some of the finest works of golfing art in the world. The lockers that surround the walls are given to the longest serving members of the Club.
The interior has recently undergone a major re-design and re-decoration by Amy Schellenberg Designs in conjunction with Angela Howe the Director of the R&A's Heritage Department. The original neo-classical interior by local architect George Rae has been re-vitalised with gilded ceiling decoration and colours sympathetic with the original classical interior style. A huge, specially designed, hand-tufted carpet was commissioned, with the pattern reflecting the ornate ceiling design and details.
As part of these works, Chelsea Lighting Design was privileged to be invited to undertake the lighting of the impressive and unique collection of paintings in the room and we understand that this is the first time that all paintings have been lit. Following a detailed survey of the artwork, design proposals were submitted and trials were carried out on site. At the very final stages of the project the lighting was installed and the room was brought to life. Despite its magnificent scale, the room retains an intimate atmosphere and the heart of the Club is beating stronger than ever.
Our thanks to:
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews www.randa.org
Amy Schellenberg Designs www.amyschellenbergdesigns.com
The R&A's Heritage Department www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk
Paintings illustrated :
Portrait : Tom Morris Esq. Artist : Sir George REID
Landscape : Medal Day at St Andrews Artist : Alexander WARDLOW
