Four Livery Companies, The Clockmakers, The Lightmongers, The Scientific Instrument Makers and The Spectacle Makers, take it in turn to host an annual lecture. This year it was the turn of the Lightmongers to host the event, also known as the Lightmongers William Wright lecture in honour of our much respected Past Master, who died far too young at the age of 63 and who had done so much for the company.

Members of all four Companies met at the London premises of ARUP and thanks go to Liveryman Jeff Shaw for enabling the arrangement and hosting us.

Master Lightmonger, Graham Smith warmly welcomed everyone to the Lecture and introduced the Speaker, Bernie Davis, a highly respected and experienced television lighting designer and director. He worked for the BBC on outside broadcasts for over 30 years before switching to working freelance. During his career his lighting credits have ranged from Grange Hill to Songs of Praise, from Robot Wars to the Royal Variety Performance and from BBC Proms to major Royal Events at Westminster Abbey, St. Pauls Cathedral and Windsor Castle.

 

His talk was titled “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, although we counted at least six, and focused on a range of Royal Events at Windsor Castle and Westminster Abbey. Bernie gave a fascinating insight into some of the challenges and solutions of lighting events in such iconic and historic venues. He also explained some of the products used and the challenges of rigging them presented in these particular settings. We also saw how the newer LED technology has replaced traditional Tungsten sources over the years.

 

This was all done in an entertaining way, with some amusing stories and anecdotes around lighting such prestigious and nationally important events, keeping the audience absorbed throughout. A thoroughly enjoyable lecture, with time at the end to answer questions.

The Master thanked Bernie for a fantastic lecture on behalf of all those attending and invited everyone to stay and continue their discussions over the refreshments provided.