Lighting for displaying prints??

[kab]

I've got a fairly wide(2m), long(8m) and high hallway(3.5m) that I'd like to use as a mini gallery of my work. I'll mainly be displaying framed prints, but may also display some foamcore and canvas stuff. Size of prints would generally range from 8x12 to 16x20.

My preference is to use swivelling downlights as they're relatively discrete. We've got an old Edwardian and don't have a lot of modern decor. That said, I'm not adverse to using track lighting or something similar if it's more appropriate.

To avoid any unwanted colour casts, I'm assuming I should look for 5000k globes. I'd also like them to be dimmable, and relatively energy efficient. This lighting will only be required to light the prints, not the hallway, as I have other lighting for that. Thus, I'd like a fairly narrow beam.

So, Am I dreaming?? Do such lights exist?? I think they do, as I've seen them in galleries, cafes and bars. Can you recommend anywhere in Melbourne that has a good selection?? Went down to the local beacons, but the sales droid was pretty useless.

Any help would be much appreciated.
Till next time...

[olrac]

There is a place on swan street near the CNR of burnley in richmond that sells lighting, they have not run of the mill type stuff.

My friend used to design lighting as a job and about a year ago she gave me a list of some of the suppliers she used. I will see if I can dig that list up.

[moz]

My preference is to use swivelling downlights as they're relatively discrete.

Once you take them out of the packaging you'll find they are inherently discrete.

Look at LED replacement bulbs - they are much more efficient and available in a range of colour temperatures now. But can be pricey, and the chinese made ones I've used don't seem to be readily available here (I was paying $NZ15 each, rather than $PP30+). Avoid the clump of 5mm LEDs types if you want directed light.

http://www.spectrumlighting.com.au/prod ... cient.html
http://shops2.bizarsoftware.com.au/ATAS ... category77
http://www.neco.com.au/categories.asp?cID=75&c=212758
http://www.todae.com.au/comersus2/store ... ategory=75

So you might be better off with compact fluorescent lights, or try some of the numerous eBay options (many will be rubbish).

edit: this eBay seller seems to have decent prices on brand name lights, so that might work (still $30 each though). Maybe I should chase up the supplier and start importing these things myself.

[kab]

Thanks for the replies, and the links. I'll definately go and check some of these out.

If you could find some of those links olrac, I'd appreciate it.