Eco-friendly reflector lamps from OSRAM’s halogen range have been installed throughout the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford as part of a £61 million development programme. Kevan Shaw Lighting Design turned to OSRAM in order to procure a solution that would achieve the delicate balance of reducing energy costs while showing the art works in their best possible light.The Ashmolean Museum is a prestigious building that first opened its doors in 1683. The work to revitalise the museum is being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and this has allowed the museum to double its gallery space. The new extension to the museum is much larger than the old extension that it replaces so it was essential that energy efficient products were used throughout the construction project to stop energy bills spiralling.

Kevan Shaw Lighting Design was tasked with creating an efficient lighting scheme and specified OSRAM’s DECOSTAR® 51 ECO and HALOSPOT® 111 ECO to achieve this. Hannah Neufeld, Senior Designer commented:

“We chose the eco versions of OSRAM’s MR16 and AR111 as they offer excellent colour rendering properties, are fully dimmable, have a longer life compared to standard MR16s/AR111s, and use less energy for an equivalent light output. They also come in a range of wattages and beam angles, which allows us the flexibility to light each object on an individual basis, responding to both conservation and aesthetic requirements.”

OSRAM’s DECOSTAR® 51 ECO is a low voltage reflector lamp that is fully dimmable. It is ideal for display and down lighting. The HALOSPOT® 111 ECO low voltage aluminium reflector lamp provides provides optimum illumination and less scattered light making it ideal for art gallery lighting.