The Gallery Lighting System

For effective artwork lighting, install the track no higher than approximately 2.6 metres above the floor. Lighting effectiveness diminishes above this height. Lower is better where practical. Allow at least 20 mm of clear space above the track so lighting wands can be added and removed.

The larger Gallery Lighting transformer can power approximately 20 metres of track, but low-voltage performance decreases over distance. Position the junction box roughly centrally along the powered run where possible. For a 20 metre run, approximately 10 metres on each side is ideal. A split such as 13 metres and 7 metres is acceptable, while placing the junction box at one end with the full 20 metres on the other side should be avoided.

The standard kits provide a straightforward way to introduce power to a simple track run. More complex layouts may use one transformer to supply separate wall sections or require different cable routes and transformer positions. Contact Shakespeare Solutions to discuss the layout and our recommended approach. Complex or permanent electrical work should be planned and completed by a licensed electrician.

Each Gallery Lighting transformer is supplied with a standard Australian power plug. For a simple installation, the transformer can remain accessible near floor level with cable taken up the wall in suitable conduit to the junction box. For a more permanent finish, a licensed electrician can conceal the transformer and cabling in an accessible wall or ceiling space and provide a suitable switched power point.

Gallery Lighting is designed to highlight artwork rather than replace the room’s general lighting. As a guide, each wand and globe illuminates approximately 600 mm of artwork, depending on track height and artwork position. We usually begin planning with approximately one wand and globe per metre of display wall. Larger artworks may require two or more lights.

Move the globe carrier through the arc of the lighting wand to adjust the light up or down the wall. To move the light left or right, remove the wand and insert it at the required position along the track. Two offset pins on the wand engage the low-voltage cable inside the track, allowing the wand to draw power wherever it is positioned.

We have not seen normal repeated repositioning of the lighting wands cause the internal cable to fail. The system is designed so the wands can move as the display changes. If the cable were to fail through normal repositioning, contact Shakespeare Solutions and we will replace it free of charge.

Accurate colour reproduction is important when lighting artwork. It is measured using the Colour Rendering Index, or CRI, on a scale up to 100. For artwork, we recommend a CRI of at least 90. Philips MASTER LED globes provide a CRI above 90, an expected service life of approximately 40,000 hours and reliable light quality. We generally recommend a 3000 K colour temperature as a balanced midpoint, although warmer or cooler options may suit some spaces. The recommended globe is now available only with a charcoal body, so it is supplied with both white and charcoal lighting wands. We consider the slight visual contrast a worthwhile trade-off for the higher-quality light.

Yes. The low-voltage Gallery Lighting components can be installed by a confident DIY installer or experienced handyperson when the transformer is connected to an existing power point.

Before installing the transformer, track cable or lighting wands, read our complete Gallery Lighting installation guide.

Any new power point, concealed mains wiring or hard-wired change to the 240-volt supply must be completed by a licensed electrician.

If you would prefer professional installation, find an authorised installer.