All copyright, design right and intellectual property rights in our designs and products, and in the images, text and design of this web site are, and will remain the property of Howard Batchen.
My first experience with professional stage lighting was at the age of 10 when I used to hang out in the lighting box at Southampton Gaumont Theatre, learning about lighting and sometimes operating controls during a show whilst my mother was performing Gilbert and Sullivan on stage.
I also made my own lights for home performances and was involved with school productions.
During my 5 years at art college and design school I studied 3D design, materials and processes, designed several pieces of lighting equipment and kinetic sculpture and was also involved with effects lighting and stage productions.
Since then I have often worked in the entertainment industry.
In 1985 I first started working with lasers – from designing and making individual mechanical and electro-mechanical components , to complete systems including many innovative designs.
I have made laser systems for night clubs, discos, exhibitions, conferences, public displays, promotional events, advertising, TV and video and scientific research including :
Battersea Power Station, Empire Leicesester Square, Heaven night club, Princess Norhagatti, Canary Wharf Tower, Science Museum, London, Greenwich Royal Observatory, various bands and TV, film and advertising companys.
A lot of skill is required to make accurate components.Mechanical, optical & electronic parts have to work together to produce aesthetic lighting effects.Entertainment laser system design is also a form of robotics as electro-mechanical devices are controlled by software, usually in response to external inputs from switches or sound souces
