Libary scene from 'The School for Scandal' 1777.

David Garrick at the Durary Lane Theater, 1760.

Well into the 18th century the lighting methods of the English theatre basically resembled the methods of 17th century theatre. The few lighting effects seen in the theatre were those painted on the scenery .

In 1765 David Garrick, upon his return from Paris, introduced numerous stage reforms at the Drury Lane Theatre . The most important innovations he brought to English theatre lighting were the removal of the chandeliers from the stage and a strong emphasis on lights located beyond the proscenium arch. These included winglights and an improved version of footlights called 'floats'. Philippe Jacques de Loutherbourg, who joined the Drury Lane Theatre in 1771 as Garrick's scenic designer, also introduced numerous lighting effects to the English stage. De Loutherbourg used color media and light changes for atmospheric effects such as moonlight, fire, dawn, and so on . De Loutherbourg used the most advanced light source of the period, the Argand burner, invented in 1782, in order to achieve brighter and more effective illumination.

Philippe Jacques de Loutherbourg. Light from hanging lantern casts heavy shadows onto the stage.

More information about De Loutherbourg.