The Project

As part of its world-renowned programme of special exhibitions, the National Gallery opened a ground breaking new immersive theatrical experience in autumn 2019. Entitled Leonardo: Experience a Masterpiece, the exhibition brought the artist’s abandoned composition ‘The Virgin of the Rocks’ to life through a series of the multi-sensory installations, created by 59 Productions. Technical solutions specialist White Light (WL) was the technical facilitator for the exhibition, drawing on its extensive experience of delivering multi-discipline projects across the museums and heritage sector.

Leonardo: Experience a Masterpiece Case Study

Technical services for a ground-breaking new digital exhibition at the National Gallery

Project Summary

Client:National Gallery

Location:National Gallery

Timeline:June 2019 - January 2020

Onsite:November 2019 - January 2020

The Brief

The immersive experience was the first of this nature for the National Gallery and was curated to uncover Leonardo’s working methodology and how he developed his style. Each sensory room presented a detailed portrayal of the development of the masterpiece; its context and an opportunity to experience how it would be have been seen when first conceived.

By virtue of its long-standing relationship and intricate knowledge of the National Gallery’s logistics, having delivered numerous corporate events and installations including Gallery X, WL was appointed following a successful tender.

WL worked in close collaboration with concept designers 59 Productions, having previously worked together for projects such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao’s 20th anniversary and the BBC’s First Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

Lighting Designer Jono Kenyan from Beam LD was appointed by 59 Productions. The National Gallery also engaged project management experts Fraser Randall and scenic specialists Qwerk, as other lead contractors.

Key Equipment

Audio Visual

Crestron centralised control8 x Epson Epson EB-L1505UH Projectors1 x Optoma UHZ65 , 3840x2160, 3000 lumens, Laser Light Source1 x LG 86BH5C 58:9 Ultra Stretch Display1 x NEC X981UHD-2 98” DisplayDataton Watchout Watchpack 20 media Servers (located next to each display device and networked)

Audio

EM Acoustic EM51 Speakers Powersoft AmplifiersQlab control software

Lighting

ETC Source Four Mini LEDETC Irideon FPZInteractive Technologies Cueserver Lighting ControlBespoke architectural display fittings

Leonardo: Experience a Masterpiece Case Study

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The Delivery

With its unique skills in delivering full-service, technical innovation across multiple disciplines and industries, WL was expertly placed to fulfill the brief as a hybrid solution of hire and sales. Working alongside 59 Productions, WL provided ongoing developmental support and worked with the Gallery’s key stakeholders to help procure core purchases to enable the exhibition and its future tour schedule.

Due to the organic project development process, specifications changed and evolved regularly and as such, there were a number of logistical challenges to overcome along the way. Primarily, were the considerations of working around a priceless artefact and therefore appropriate risk management and working methodologies had to be established from the outset. A build-up of heat within the spaces was an initial concern, but through consultation with the Gallery’s Estates department and equipment manufacturers, appropriate products to minimise heat egress were specified.

Limited mounting positions were available on gallery and the integration of equipment into scenic elements was all facilitated on-site, as there was no time for any pre-build away from the venue. Connectivity between the rooms was restricted due to Security, so Dataton Watchpack servers were selected to hold content locally at each display, rather than sending signals from a central server.

Sensitivities around budget required a careful balance between rental and purchase of equipment, as the exhibition planned to tour. WL helped to find a suitable system and the specification gave the Gallery ownership of the common control equipment required for future incarnations, even if the display devices changed.

Through existing relationships with trusted suppliers, WL was able to source custom architectural products at short lead times and provide the required services with a critical timed SLA. Furthermore, with its established operation across London, WL utilised its workforce of site technicians to provide preventative routine maintenance and an ongoing on-call service.

Leonardo: Experience a Masterpiece Case Study

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Contact us for more information

Installs@WhiteLight.Ltd.uk+44 (0)20 8254 4800www.WhiteLight.Ltd.uk

The Results

Leonardo: Experience a Masterpiece was the National Gallery’s first departure into digital exhibitions, which successfully attracted a new audience demographic.

The execution provided a rich, theatrical and immersive experience, which challenged the norm of an art exhibition and promoted education and insight through interactivity and engagement.

Leonardo: Experience a Masterpiece Case Study

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