As one of the world’s most recognisable historic ships, the Cutty Sark holds a unique place within the Royal Museums Greenwich estate. In spring 2026, a sensitive lighting update was completed as part of ongoing enhancement works, delivering improved visual performance while carefully respecting the ship’s historic fabric and operational museum environment.
Rather than replacing the existing scheme, the project focused on refining and upgrading key elements of the lighting already in place. In consultation with Andy Grant of Luminance Lighting Design who developed the original lighting design, DHA Designs created an updated installation that builds on the strengths of the original concept while improving consistency, flexibility and long-term reliability.
On the main deck, Architape A005m fixtures, finished with opal covers and fitted with Architape Pro 50, 3000K, 10W LED tape, were discreetly integrated beneath the pin rail.
This concealed approach delivers an even, warm wash of light across the deck, gently revealing architectural detail without introducing visual clutter. The result is a subtle enhancement that supports wayfinding and atmosphere, while remaining sympathetic to the ship’s heritage character.
Within the hold, the same fixtures were used but this time with Architape Pro 50 RGBW, 10W LED tape. Concealed beneath the visitor walkways, these luminaires provide controlled colour-changing capability, allowing the space to adapt to exhibitions, events and interpretive storytelling.
The compact form factor and consistent output of the Architape fixtures enabled clean integration within the tight constraints of the historic structure, ensuring the lighting supports the experience without drawing attention to the fixtures themselves.
Live from April 2026, the refined lighting scheme enhances the Cutty Sark’s visitor experience both above and below deck. By upgrading key components rather than starting anew, the project demonstrates how carefully specified linear lighting solutions, such as Architape, can deliver meaningful improvements within sensitive historic environments.
Lighting design: DHA Designs
Installation: SI Electrical
Photos courtesy of DHA Designs