Leonardslee Illuminated

The Vision: The artistic intent was to materialise a monumental, 2km nocturnal journey through the historic Grade I listed landscape of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens. Spanning a six-year collaboration, the narrative sought to move beyond the traditional "light trail," instead creating a series of sophisticated, site-specific visual vignettes. We aimed to evoke the natural majesty of the Sussex valley, using light as a structural tool to reveal the hidden textures of the gardens while providing a theatrical stage for roaming performances and musical water installations.

The Manifestation: In a long-standing partnership with Creative Director and Principal Designer Phil Supple, NeonBlack provided associate lighting design and extensive co-design work for this expansive outdoor installation. We worked together to manifest a structural reality that respected the organic complexity of the estate, co-developing the atmosphere around the central lakes where light, fountains, and sound were choreographed into a singular, living organism. Our role involved the precise technical and creative calibration of large-scale lighting systems to ensure a lens-first vibrancy that remained evocative even in the vastness of the valley. By treating the landscape as a canvas for real light art, we helped create a rhythmic, immersive experience that felt entirely embedded within the environment.

The Result: The project realised a definitive and critically acclaimed winter landmark, successfully blending high-end theatrical design with horticultural heritage. By acting as creative co-pilots alongside Phil Supple, we manifested a world that felt both magical and intellectually rigorous. The result was a perennial success that demonstrated our capability to manage the immense logistical and creative demands of long-term, large-scale environmental art, grounded in a deep, multi-year design collaboration.

‍