LONDON.- Luxmuralis returns to illuminate the Old Royal Naval College with Lost Worlds, a spectacular new light and sound installation inspired by the civilisations, myths and natural wonders of the ancient world. Created by acclaimed sculptor and artist Peter Walker, with an original score by composer David Harper, Lost Worlds reimagines the artistic achievements of the Etruscans, Egyptians, Romans, Mayans and Anglo-Saxons through immersive projection, colour and sound.
Art has shaped the history of the Old Royal Naval College for centuries. Three hundred years after Sir James Thornhill completed the magnificent iconography of the Painted Hall in 1726, Walker draws upon the same enduring spirit of artistic innovation. His work transforms Sir Christopher Wrens magnificent dome into a spectacular canvas of light by reimagining the iconic Painted Hall masterpiece in a series of bespoke projections.
Inspired by the ingenuity of lost civilisations, Lost Worlds journeys through sophisticated astronomical knowledge, illuminated medieval manuscripts, early maps of exploration, cave paintings, mythical kingdoms and the natural world. Luxmuralis weaves these themes into a richly layered visual narrative that reveals the creativity, curiosity as well as imagination that have connected cultures across the centuries.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Royal Naval College becomes a vast canvas for digital artworks that respond to the buildings remarkable architecture. Light flows across domes, columns and vaulted ceilings, revealing familiar spaces in extraordinary new ways and inviting visitors to experience the historic site from a fresh perspective.
Drawing on legends, castles, knights, fantastical creatures and illuminated manuscripts, Lost Worlds blurs the boundaries between history and myth. Intricate patterns and monumental projections transform the architecture into a living storybook, where ancient knowledge, folklore and artistic expression converge.
Renowned for creating immersive experiences that transform some of Britains most significant heritage sites, Luxmuralis combines cutting-edge projection technology with an evocative original soundtrack to create an unforgettable after-dark experience. Sir Christopher Wrens celebrated architecture provides a dramatic backdrop, while the projections evoke the Renaissance ideals that influenced his visionconnecting classical inspiration with contemporary digital artistry.
Themes of exploration and discovery also run throughout the installation, reflecting the Old Royal Naval Colleges maritime legacy. Ancient maps, celestial navigation, mythological worlds and voyages into the unknown unfold across the historic buildings, linking the great civilisations of the past with the spirit of exploration that shaped Greenwichs place in world history. As imagery travels across the site, Lost Worlds invites visitors to embark on a visual voyage through history, mythology and imagination.
Lost Worlds forms part of the Old Royal Naval Colleges ongoing creative collaboration with acclaimed artist Peter Walker. Alongside Walkers forthcoming Peace Doves installation, these bespoke projections are among a series of major artistic commissions marking the Painted Halls 300th anniversary.
Peter Walker, Artistic Director of Luxmuralis, comments:
It is a real privilege to return to the Old Royal Naval College with a new work. The Painted Hall is one of the most extraordinary spaces in Britain, and every time we create here, we discover something new within its architecture and history. With Lost Worlds, we want to invite people of every age and background to step into a place of wonder, to leave the everyday behind and become completely immersed in light, sound and storytelling.
Whether visitors are fascinated by ancient civilisations, mythology, art or simply the experience of being surrounded by colour and music, I hope they feel a sense of curiosity and connection. For me, the greatest reward is seeing people share that journey together and experience this remarkable space in an entirely new way.