Large glass globe gas-light completes new entrance to the Charterhouse
The Charterhouse, the seven-acre heritage site and almshouse in Clerkenwell EC1, is delighted to announce that the final element of the new entrance to the Charterhouse, designed by Eric Parry Architects, is now in place. The entrance, which was unveiled in January 2017, was a key element of the “Revealing the Charterhouse” project which saw the site opening its doors formally to the public. The large bespoke gas-light, which will run on the same timer as the gas lights in Charterhouse Square, adds the final element to the welcome at the gates.
The light – which has a multiple-mantle housing 16 gas flames – is set in the centre of the cold forged steel canopy, and its contemporary design compliments the extraordinary architecture of the estate. The canopy features interwoven metal strands symbolising continuity, community and the overlap of the centuries – all key to the history and life of the Charterhouse. When illuminated, the light, which is 600mm in diameter with a vitreous enamel crown and clear glass globe, lights up the brass plan of the original monastery set into the Scoutmoor York stone paving below, and catches the gilded coats of arms and lettering on the main gates.
Dominic Tickell, Development Director at the Charterhouse and driver behind the Revealing the Charterhouse project, says, “The new light is the focal point of the entrance way and with it now in place the public entrance to the Charterhouse is announced from across the square. The design was a feat of engineering to ensure the right materials and the right effect of the light in the space. It is exciting to see it both in daylight, and when it is illuminated at night.”
The light was designed by Eric Parry RA, and made by Sugg Lighting, and the metalwork of the canopy was created by Chris Brammall Metalwork Ltd. It is believed that the last time a 16 mantel gas light to be designed and commissioned was by Sir Aston Webb for Horse Guards Parade in the early 1900s.
The ‘Revealing the Charterhouse’ project included a new museum and learning centre which have now been open for 17 months and have welcomed thousands of visitors, who had never known about the Charterhouse, or what lay behind the mysterious walls between Barbican and Farringdon.
Photographs by Mark Mercer