~ About Us ~

Charter Lighting is an established brand of highest quality lighting equipment that has been developed by Absolute Action Ltd. to meet the very special and exacting requirements of the Heritage Sector, with a primary focus on the illumination of fine art.

We have many years’ experience in the lighting of art, during that time having evolved a deep understanding of the needs of owners, curators and property managers. We appreciate the care, dedication and often the sacrifice that can be involved in keeping these precious collections together as well preserving them properly for future generations to enjoy.

Our research programme is committed to ensuring both the sustainability of our products and to the conservation of artworks, while at all times ensuring the very best possible quality of light. Nothing matters more to the faithful presentation of a work of art than the application of proper, full-spectrum illumination, and nothing detracts more – both from the aesthetic experience and even by causing physical damage – than the use of poor quality or inappropriate lighting. 

With our manufacturing capabilities in the UK, we deliver tailor-made solutions under-pinned by comprehensive consultancy and support services.  We pride ourselves in providing a total, integrated approach to all your lighting needs, delivering solutions with careful attention to detail and prompt efficiency.

The principal members of the Charter Lighting team are Emma Dawson-Tarr, Ian Peter MacDonald, and Andrew Tarr.

Emma’s work in the field of bespoke lighting began in 1983 as a founder of Absolute Action Ltd., one of the earliest pioneers of fibre optic lighting. Early commissions included lighting selected portraits in the Long Gallery at Windsor Castle, along with similar work at Kensington Palace and the National Portrait Gallery in London, and extending to as far afield as The Hope Diamond in Washington DC, and private Art Collections across Europe, the Middle East, Japan – indeed, world-wide.

With a background in Art History, and having spent twenty years working with most of the world’s great museums and many of our finest stately homes, Ian Peter was a founder of Greenled Light, one of the earliest innovators in the marketing of LED lighting to save energy for major institutions. Fifteen years later, Ian Peter’s in-depth understanding of this technology, combined with his knowledge of and professional insight into art, enables him to advise the owners and managers of art collections on how to select the right solutions, not only to fulfil their current needs but also to light their legacy for generations to come.

Andrew has his finger very firmly on the pulse of today’s fast-moving LED lighting and control technologies, and has many years of varied industry experience. This technical strength underpins the team’s ability to offer rapid-response customisation where appropriate, when unique challenges require unique solutions. This also ensures confidence in the functional suitability, performance, reliability and longevity of the ever-expanding range of bespoke lighting systems that we offer.