The Athenaeum club houses a plethora of manuscripts and historical books, housed in 3 separate libraries. However, the jewel in their crown is the South Library designed by Decimus Burton to rival that in any illustrious university or law court. 

The brief was to sensitively upgrade the early 80’s lighting. Our main focus was to ensure that the light sources disappeared into the fabric of the space. Museum quality LED picture lights were specially customised to create a horizontal framework on all 3 levels to softly illuminate the books. Custom cowls were built to ensure that there was no stray light and only the vertical shelving was lit. 

Miniature spotlights were integrate into the central chandelier to uplight the ornate ceiling rose. The impression of the ceiling was further lifted with architectural uplights discretely housed in a custom bronze housing. Recessed uplights provide highlights withing the windows and fireplace to bring the eye down to a more intimate level.