Lighting is from beneath the glass plate, being an unusual combination of Contrast C floods with 150W metal halide lamps and, on a more human scale for the pedestrian walkways, circular low energy Roller bulkheads with visor attachments. These also provide the emergency lighting.

The scheme was designed by WSP in conjunction with Thorn lighting engineers Steve Thompson and Stuart Challenger and installed by MJN Colston.

Stuart comments: "This was a very interesting challenge for us. Using what are basically exterior luminaires to light an interior is not new in itself, but in this case it was made particularly unusual because of the mixture of two tasks: using light to enable the visitor to safely view the magnificent ship hull and propeller, whilst at the same time accentuating the illusion that the vessel is floating".

All parties were particularly pleased with the result, as the colour temperature, wattage and light output, as well as the overall double asymmetric spread of light, suited their requirements.

Technically Contrast was an ideal choice. It’s flexible mounting and aiming device were an ideal solution given that the dry dock is a Listed Grade II building, which prevents any direct wall fixings.