The ALD Recognizes Its Knights of Illumination

As co-organizer of the Knights of Illumination (KOI) Awards with The Fifth Estate, The STLD, international lighting designer Durham Marenghi and his wife Jennie, the Association of Lighting Designers (ALD) would like to recognize with great pride its own members among the 24 designers to be ‘knighted’ and bestowed with the emblematic sword trophy. More ALD members than ever before took a well-earned place in the KOI 2017 short lists for theatre, television and concert & touring events.

This year’s event, held at London’s Eventim Apollo marked the KOI Awards’ tenth anniversary. The occasion was a bold reminder of both the stature of the awards and the powerful impact of the production visuals of lighting and video design it has highlighted to the eyes of the wider industry and media.

Among the successful ALD members in the Theatre section of the Awards, Richard Howell won The ADB Theatre Award for Plays for his design for Guards at the Taj at The Bush Theatre. Judge, Matt Trueman, claimed, “Richard conjured the majesty of looking at the Taj Mahal through light alone.”

In the same section, David Hersey – Fellow and former chairman of the ALD – scooped The PRG XL Video Theatre Award for Musicals with his design for Fiddler on the Roof in Chichester, whilst The Robert Juliat Theatre Award for Opera went to Simon Corder for his ‘claustrophobic’ and ‘suffocating’ lighting of Opera Holland Park’s The Queen of Spades.

In the television category, Berne Davis received a sword for his work on the BBC1's Festival of Remembrance, praised for creating a ‘reflective and powerful atmosphere’.  Winning the STLD Award, STLD and ALD member, Ross Williams, has given of his programming excellence and support on many projects.

The Enrico Caironi Lifetime Recognition Award, named in memory of Clay Paky's former commercial director, one of the instigators of KOI, was a particular highlight in this landmark year for the Awards. Presented by ALD President, Richard Pilbrow, the award was bestowed upon ALD Fellow and current Vice President of the ALD, Rick Fisher.

Fisher has not only made a deep impression with his acclaimed and award-winning work in lighting design around the world, but has actioned change through his work with the ALD, co-founding industry charity Light Relief and the new Technical Entertainment Charity BackUp, which provides financial support to industry technical professionals working in live events, theatre, TV and film when they fall on hard times through illness or injury.

Rick Fisher was chairman of the ALD from 1995 to 2011 and led with a clear and positive vision encouraging more structure and purpose within the association. The ALD exists to support its members in all aspects of their careers through practical benefits, networking events and other social occasions as well as training, bursaries and community. Still serving as Vice President, Fisher continues to advocate for improved fees, contract and working conditions for his peers in lighting and video design.

 ALD Executive Director, Ian Saunders, said, “It was a personal highlight to see a man who has mobilized so much for so many through the ALD, as well as the industry charities, recognized for his own excellent design work and his commitment to supporting the lighting community.