Brooklands Museum | UK

Brooklands was originally a 2.767-mile (4.453 km) motor racing circuit and aerodrome located near Weybridge in Surrey, England. It opened in 1907 as the world’s first purpose-built, banked motor racing circuit. In addition, it was one of Britain’s earliest airfields, which later became the nation’s largest aircraft manufacturing centre by 1918. Over the years, Brooklands produced numerous military aircraft, including the Wellington bomber, as well as civil airliners such as the Viscount and VC-10.

The circuit hosted its final race in August 1939, and today, part of the site forms the Brooklands Museum. This museum has become a major destination for aviation and motoring enthusiasts and serves as a venue for vintage car, motorcycle, and other transport-related events.

The Aircraft Factory exhibition is situated within the Bellman Hangar, which was relocated from the Race Track’s Finishing Straight. The hangar has been reimagined as the ‘Brooklands Aircraft Factory’, an immersive space celebrating 80 years of aviation design and manufacturing history. The exhibition provides an inspiring platform for visitors to learn about the principles of science, engineering, and innovation.

How Lighting Design Enhances the Visitor Experience

To bring this ambitious vision to life, the project collaborated with internationally renowned exhibition designers Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA). A key element of the exhibition’s success was the lighting scheme, which was meticulously designed to evoke the atmosphere of a working factory. Cool white light (4000K) was used to highlight the industrial architecture and to reflect the colder working conditions historically experienced by aircraft factory workers. In contrast, warmer white light was employed to illuminate the numerous artefacts and stories on display, creating a compelling interplay between the architectural space and the narratives being shared.

By combining architectural and theatrical lighting techniques, the design elevated both the exhibits and the structural features of the Bellman Hangar. A bespoke ‘industrial’ lighting system was developed, allowing fixtures to be seamlessly integrated into the display framework. This ensured that all exhibits were lit locally, mirroring the working conditions of the original factory environment. Crucially, this approach eliminated the need to attach lighting equipment to the historic ceiling, preserving the integrity of the hangar, while all associated cabling was cleverly concealed.

This thoughtful approach resulted in a lighting scheme that prioritised visitor experience and historical authenticity. The Brooklands Aircraft Factory and Race Track Revival Project is a testament to the transformative power of heritage preservation. By celebrating the site’s rich history in both motoring and aviation, the project successfully blends education, innovation, and nostalgia, ensuring that Brooklands’ legacy continues to inspire future generations.

 “Michael Grubb Studio’s excellent lighting design for Brooklands Museum strikes a fine balance between the demands of an industrial factory setting and the wide variety of large and small artefacts contained within.

From the impressive Wellington Bomber to personal objects carried by pilots on their journeys, each artefact is given its own ‘visual space’ through Michael Grubb Studio’s thoughtful design, enhancing the storytelling and enriching the experience for Brooklands’ visitors.”

John Blanchard, Project Director for RAA