Faberge Revealed is truly a spectacular exhibition of more than 500 objects, and what better way to illuminate these jewels than with fiber optic lighting systems. Fiber optic lighting, unlike fiber optics for telecommunications, transmits light from a light source at one end, through many strands of fiber, and out through focused fixtures which we then use to light art objects.
These systems are primarily installed to illuminate light sensitive artifacts because the harmful ultraviolet rays and heat is filtered out and the light emitted is much less hazardous than traditional light sources. Fiber optic lighting is also highly focusable, which allows for small spotlights to be placed on small objects, like a Faberge Egg. The Imperial Eggs, a diamond-encrusted tiara, and the Nobel Ice Egg are some of the objects illuminated with fiber optic lighting systems in Faberge Revealed. These systems were designed to illuminate the precious objects with special micro fibers and miniature fixtures allowing for very precise lighting.
Most of these small light sources are out of view but, as you can see, the jewel encrusted objects were exceptionally illuminated and completely viewable, top to bottom, and in the round. Fiber optic systems are also highly energy efficient, taking the place of dozens of incandescent bulbs, and are a testament to VMFA’s focus on energy efficient initiatives.
But most importantly the fiber optic lighting has provided the light for which we can now see every inch these wonderful objects and allow for us to marvel with new appreciation.
Lee Weaver, Exhibition Lighting Design Technican