Museum of Somerset

Taunton, UK

Based in Taunton Castle in the heart of Somerset's county town, the museum recounts the Taunton story from prehistoric times to the present day using real objects, evocative films, sounds and images, along with the voices and words of Somerset people past and present.

Since securing funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Somerset County Council amongst others, the museum has undergone a multi-million pound redevelopment which saw it re-open its doors in 2011 and become Trip Advisor's number one attraction in the local area.

At the time of the museum's redevelopment, UFO was selected to supply and install lighting throughout. Our fibre optic light sources, glass fibre and downlight fittings were chosen due to the fact that they provide safe, ultraviolet free lighting which won't damage the exhibits in anyway.

Our stainless steel recessed downlights were installed in the ceiling panels of the display cases using secure spring mounting clips. Once secured the focusable downlights could then be rotated and tilted to point at any objects requiring illumination. In several of the display cases the downlights were also mounted in the base of the units and used to project the light upwards.

Connected to each downlight is a strand of our end lit glass fibre, which runs vertically to the base of the cabinet where it is powered by one of our tungsten halogen light sources. One light source is located in the base of each cabinet to allow museum staff to easily access the units as and when maintenance is required.

The overall effect created by the fibre optics and downlights is one of accuracy and precision, with the smallest of details being discreetly highlighted by the downlights.

Images courtesy of Somerset Heritage Service SSC