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LIGHTS!: January 1990 [Vol.1 / Issue 1]

Viewing in Page Order -- View in Alphabetical Order Let There Be Lights [page 2] It's always an exciting prospect to be present at the launch of a new magazine. But Lights is particularly special because it is a magazine which you, as one of our readers, have helped to shape. Electrex 90 [page 2] New products from Strand Lighting's Architectural Lighting Division will be on show at Electrex 90 (NEC, Birmingham, February 26th - March 2nd). Heathrow Project Takes Off [page 2] Lighting equipment including a Permus dimmer rack, Tempus desk for a small theatre control, Environ 2 modular dimmers and a special portable outstation, have been installed at Heathrow Penta Hotel's Wessex Ballroom and York Theatre, under a £6,500 contract. Eureka! Europa! [page 2] Belfast's Europa Hotel has had a low voltage, transformer-fed lighting system installed in its function rooms under a £7,400 contract. The installation includes two Permus dimmer racks plus 36 separate finish stations. Mega Future for Microdimmer [page 2] Pointing the way ahead for dimmers, a £3000 installation has been completed at a private house in Holland Park, London, to provide Microdimmers for main rooms, to create mood and 'scene' lighting. Lights In The Cathedral [page 2] A combination of Strand architectural and theatrical lighting has been installed at St George's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Southwark, South London, under an £8,000 contract. Black Is Golden [page 3] When You consider that the highest paid entertainment stars in the United States are black (Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, Eddie Murphy, Michael Jackson), then it seems only natural that a TV station run exclusively to cater for America's 28 million black consumers should be a runaway success. ...A Voyage of Discovery [page 4] With a string of hit shows behind him, such as Evita, Cats, Les Miserables, Starlight Express, Chess, Carmen and a clutch of Tony awards for his lighting designs, it comes as a surprise to learn that David Hersey's greatest personal triumph, in his estimation, was not one of the top money-spinners. Galaxy Control for Berlin [page 6] Looking like something from a set of Star Wars, Berlin's new International Convention Centre has become one of the most striking and best known buildings in the world. Lighting The National [page 7] Next time the stress of lighting appears to be controlling your life, consider the daily problems faced by someone like Peter Radmore, technical manager for lighting and sound at the National Theatre. Toyah Carrying Emotion With Light [page 8] According to the ubiquitous (and sometimes outrageous) Toyah Willcox, 'I am never instantly aware of the lighting but there is no doubt that it carries my emotions'. As a stage, film, TV actress and Rock singer she is on the receiving end of theatrical lighting more often than most. New Products: Hilite [page 10] Bridging the considerable gap between the lighting needs of theatre and architecture is a new addition to the Strand range - HILITE. New Products: Finesse Dimmer [page 10] Low voltage tungsten halogen lamps have become established favourites on the architectural lighting scene in recent years, with their intense white light and associated sparkle making them ideal for use in spotlights, down lights and desk lamps. New Products: Gemini 2 Plus [page 10] Further improvements have been made to the Gemini 2, taking it to the forefront of technology. In its new guise as the Gemini 2 Plus, it now has: Increased capacity from 240 to 360 channels. Output for a second full colour VDU. System memory capacity has been doubled. Ability to transmit a Remote Go command to a PALS PC controller. A Non Dim option in the electronic patch. Parscan 2 The Story Continues [page 10] Introduced and extremely well received at trade shows this year in the US, Parscan 2 is the first redesign of our line of high performance automated fixtures, completed by the R&D firm of Associates & Ferren. Throwing Light on Animal Farm (Mike Robertson) [page 11] Mike Robertson explains the thinking behind Merchiston Schools' production of the Orwell classic. Canada - Throws Light On Its Culture [page 12] For the first time in the country's history, Canada's Museum of Civilisation opened its door to the general public on July 1st - following a considerable contribution by Strand Lighting. After The Dinosaurs [page 12] Following the huge success of the Dinosaurs from China Exhibition at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff during 1987/88, the Museum is planning another major exhibition - this time at its centre in Llanberis, North Wales, Amgeuddfa'r Gogledd. The Meaning of Light [page 13] The Language of Light. Lighting, regarded by some as an intriguing blend of art and science, boasts it's own vocabulary, used to describe the lighting system shown in Fig.1. The terms most commonly employed can be summarised as follows. Luminous Flux is the output of a bare lamp, measured in lumens. Anxious For To Shine In The High Aesthetic Line [page 15] Mention the names 'Gilbert and Sullivan' to most people and they can immediately recall a snatch or two of operetta. This is due in no small part to the likes of the D'oyly Carte Opera Company, who have recently finished a successful run of The Mikado at their home base, the Savoy Theatre. Advert: PALS [page 16] Strand's new Precision Automated Lighting System (PALS) represents a major advance in lighting technology.