The Tenantry Column in Alnwick, England, a historic monument erected in 1816 to honor Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland, required a modern and durable lighting system. The column, which received Grade 1 listed status in 1977, had an outdated and non-operational lighting setup due to age and vandalism. As part of a larger restoration project undertaken by The Northumberland Estates, there was a need to replace the defunct lighting with a system that would both enhance the monument’s visibility and withstand environmental challenges.
To address this challenge, architect James Ritchie collaborated with The Northumberland Estates, Martin Professional, Illuminate Design, and Pickard Electricals. They installed Martin Exterior Linear Graze Quad and Exterior Wash lights. These fixtures were selected for their durability, versatility, and advanced lighting capabilities.
Martin Exterior Linear Graze Quad: Designed to illuminate structures in any weather condition, these fixtures use quad-color LEDs for superior color mixing and avoid multi-colored shadows. They feature IP66-rated housing, ensuring long-term resilience. Ritchie specified Near, Wide, and Asymmetric variants to provide comprehensive coverage and deter vandalism through protective enclosures.
Martin Exterior Wash: These fixtures offer wide-reaching coverage with uniform color mixing and six beam angle options. They provide up to 4900 lumens at full white for ample coverage and color blending, even in limited spaces.
The new lighting rig also included a DMX controller to enable color changes for specific occasions, enhancing the versatility and functionality of the installation.
The installation of Martin Exterior lighting fixtures brought new life to the Tenantry Column, creating a visually striking and durable lighting system that highlights the monument’s architectural features and historical significance.
The new lighting system successfully illuminated the column, base plinth, and lions in a manner sympathetic to its Grade 1 listed status, using energy-efficient RGBW lighting to accentuate the stone’s color and shape.
The modern lighting setup not only enhanced the column’s visibility and aesthetic appeal but also ensured long-term durability and resistance to vandalism. The flexibility of the lighting system allows for color changes to mark special occasions, adding a dynamic element to the monument.
“The Martin fittings were chosen for their quality of build, performance, and durability,” said James Ritchie. “The initial response by Martin to my enquiry was excellent and the subsequent service, despite the pandemic, was good. The installation has been very well received and had good social media coverage when it reopened.”
“The local community seems to be delighted to have the column lit again, and the client, The Northumberland Estates, is very pleased with the quality of the scheme.”
The successful restoration and lighting installation have revitalized the Tenantry Column, ensuring its historical significance is appreciated both day and night, while also enhancing its role as a focal point in the community.
