Initial sketch rendered in Cinema 4d and presented to commissioning body for approval.
These sketches were to scale and allowed a ‘ walk-through ‘ for the client. We specified four different sizes of spiked component even at this early stage.
Later sketch rendered in Coraldraw to incorporate elements as described in brief – ‘seaweed and bubbles ‘.
Midway through one of the large spiked components ; mica already encapsulated.
Glass ready to turn round and shape end for fitting into bespoke collar.
Showing the fluidity of the glass as it is shaped via gravity and specific cooling. This large spike was still not the largest size; the largest spikes were 1200 mm long and weighed over 5 kilos. They were annealed for over two days.
The ‘Azura’ in wet dock at Montfalcone in Northern Italy. It was at this stage in the building schedule when we were asked to drive the whole chandelier to site and assemble and install in the atrium. Installation took just under two weeks.
Each component for the chandelier was specially designed for the ships environment and had to pass stringent assessment via the ships’ inspectors. No contact exists between any glass or metal components; all components are
isolated from any vibration with specialist seals and dampers.
Close up of the chandelier in mid-installation showing most collar and spike assemblies in situ. Each spike contains a fully addressable DMX controlled RGB LED assembly.
First press shots of the inaugural ceremony on board the Azura.
There are two lighting systems used within the chandelier. The first powers all the spikes, the second powers the fibre optics that are inserted down the polished stainless steel tubes to light up the ‘deadcuts’ on the glass balls.
The chandelier is part of the overall light show within the atrium
One of the hardest aspects of the construction was to ensure that all spikes, down tubes and spheres move together in tune with the ships’ movement; when the ship changes its’ pitch , the chandelier stays at 90 degrees to the hull.
The flexible rigidity was achieved by a fine wire system of braided steel wires.
The chandelier remains the main artwork aboard the Azura; the 3000 passenger ship is itself home to a 6000 piece floating modern art collection showcasing 45 British Artists selected to represent the best contemporary art in Britain today.
The whole chandelier weighs in at just under half a ton.
I would hope that the chandelier has an organic feel, almost growing from, rather than being placed upon the fabric of the Azura.
“The chance to create a chandelier that so many people will see, remember and comment on , good or bad is a welcome one . It moves a chandelier from being just another source of light more towards the area of one-off public art . It is the dream of any maker to see their work within such an exotic location; the centrepiece of a singularly luxurious and unique environment”.
