A bright future for the Prince Consort statue

The Prince Consort statue in Holborn Circus is looking better than ever thanks to a major restoration project and a latest-generation lighting solution from Thorn Lighting.

The Thorn team used cold white LEDs to light up the statue's lower plinth and emphasise the textured stonework. The upper plinth and figures are lit with warm white LEDs to bring out the detail and colour of the bronze reliefs.

Jim Ashley-Down, Architectural Outdoor Lighting Key Account Manager at Thorn Lighting, says, "Tall statues like this are difficult to illuminate without creating shadows or losing some of the detail in the bronze work. And we had to respect the integrity of the statue, which meant no light fittings could be attached to the figures or plinth. I'm delighted to say that we were able to overcome all the challenges, and provide a solution that enhances the beauty of the statue, with no glare for motorists or nearby buildings."

To illuminate the Prince Consort statue effectively, Thorn used Thorn Mica luminaires and Thorn Band luminaires, which are embedded in the ground close to the statue. In addition, Hess by Thorn bollards were used to provide additional illumination, and to physically help protect the statue.

The monument, which formerly stood in the middle of Holborn Circus, used to be an obstruction to motorists' line of view. It was unveiled in its new, safer, pavement location in Holborn Circus by Fiona Woolf,  Lord Mayor of the City of London, on April 29th.

For more information about Thorn Lighting and our experience of illuminating important buildings and monuments, please contact your local sales team.