Welcome back to Day 2 of the tour. Today we reveal the foyer chandelier in its full glory.
The chandelier is 6' x 6' and comprises several hundred pounds of Austrian crystal. It has 64 candle lights, which have been fitted with warm LED lighting. We spent a lot of time ensuring the finished effect is as close to incandescent light as possible, not wanting to use tungsten bulbs due to their poor energy efficiency and increased rate of blowing (as you will see from the photos below, it would not be an easy task to change blown bulbs. Luckily thanks to long feather dusters, it shouldn't be too difficult to keep it sparkling).
Above: The electrician putting together the frame of the chandelier and wiring up the candles.
Below: They built a scaffold in the foyer and then hoisted it up bit by bit to the right height. It is fixed by a large chain which is connected directly to the framing of the roof. One of the electricians put their full weight on it to make sure it would hold tight - not that we plan to swing from it.
They then completed the wiring and bulb fitting and crystal hanging. Not a job for those scared of heights...
They left some of the scaffolding in situ until I got back from Dubbo, just in case I wasn't happy with the height.
The finished fitting, with subtle up-lighting in the recesses of the dome - which makes a nice night light for the atrium.
The web of crystals viewed from below...
Please join us tomorrow when the tour will continue with a viewing of the bridal suite.