Royal College of Music

Designer: DARNTON, EGS

Location: London, UK

The South Kensington, London, based Royal College of Music is one of the world’s great conservatoires, having developed some of the most important figures in British and international music since its opening by the then Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) in 1883. Notable alumni to the prestigious college include composers such as Holst, Vaughan Williams and Turnage; conductors such as Leopold Stokowski, Sir Colin Davis and Sir Roger Norrington; singers such as Dame Joan Sutherland, Sir Thomas Allen and Alfie Boe; instrumentalists such as Sir James Galway, Gervase de Peyer, and Natalie Clein.

Modernisation of the facility has been imperative, and works have been focused on taking advantage of technological advances, while restoring the Concert Hall to the best of its historic past. This has included reinstating the entirely lead white painted interior, specified by Sidney Smith, dismantling and reassembling the roof to improve the ventilation and acoustics and the addition of six stunning chandeliers designed by Darnton EGS, a renowned architectural practice founded over 140 years ago.

Combining technological know-how and heritage lighting expertise made Dernier & Hamlyn the obvious choice for this spectacular commission. Darnton EGS chairman David Suggitt added: “I have previously been impressed with Dernier & Hamlyn’s work and was glad to work with them on this project. They have done an excellent job at the Royal College of Music.”

The brass chandeliers, added as a focal point in the Concert Hall, were manufactured by Dernier & Hamlyn and feature formed brass framework, energy efficient LED downlighting and domed opal glass shades.

Simon Powell, Director of Finance and Estates at the Royal College of Music said: “The College is absolutely delighted with the chandeliers it commissioned from Dernier & Hamlyn. The refurbishment of our Concert Hall both visually and acoustically is now complete.”