If you’re planning an event and need a flexible, professional backdrop solution, Chris Mear shares how Pipe and Base could be exactly what you’re looking for.
By Chris Mear, Systems Manager
I often take phone calls from customers who are looking for drapes or curtains to form a backdrop for their event. After we’ve gone through the details of how high the room is and how many drapes they need, I normally ask how they’re going to be held up. A lot of the time, in theatres or performance spaces, there’s already rigging available. But what happens when those aren’t available? Or what if they’re not in the right place?
Often, we suggest Pipe and Base (also known as pipe and drape), a portable and adjustable telescopic drape support system used to create temporary partitions, backdrops or enclosures. Used more frequently than you might think, whether it’s following the contours of a room, creating a pathway, a room divider or just as a backdrop, a Pipe and Base solution is a simple and cost-effective way to professionally transform your space, and help your attendees or visitors focused on the experience.
Often used in a wide variety of events from trade shows, to award ceremonies and wedding receptions, it’s surprising how often you’ve probably been in the same room where this system has been used. However, when looking for a solution, it doesn’t often spring to mind. This is why I thought it would be helpful to tell you more about Pipe and Base, the benefits and how it can be used on your next project:
What is Pipe and Base?
Pipe and Base (also known as Pipe and Drape) is a lightweight, freestanding drape support system used to install fabric drapes in a space where there is no other infrastructure to hang them. It can be used to create a backdrop on a stage, divide a space into sections, blackout a window, or hide unsightly areas and mask unused equipment or cases. Pipe and Base can come in a range of different sizes of adjustable uprights and horizontals with heavy base plates and a variety of sizes of drapes.
How do I set it up?
It is a very simple system to set up and can be put together quickly, whether you want to do this yourself or use our team to set up your space for you. The systems have been designed to streamline the set-up of events and our team have set up many events from as small as a trade show stand to divide the space and look smart and professional, to as large as a warehouse-like space for a concert or event to remove focus on the walls, cut down on sound reflections and make the space look tidy and professional.
Setting the Pipe and Base system up yourself consists of 4 simple steps:
- Attach the spigots to your baseplates using the screws and place these in the desired location.
- Attach the upright poles by sliding them over the spigots.
- Attach the horizontal poles between the uprights by simply hooking them into a slot at the top of the pole.
- Tie your drapes to the horizontal bars and adjust the height as required using the telescopic sections on the upright poles.
Our drapes are fitted with ties along one long and one short edge, so they can be hung either way round. As an alternative, drapes can also be suspended from truss, steel wire rope catenary, or an existing structure, used as a truss border, handrail border or crew surround to mask unwanted metal work, or equipment.
Pearce Hire can also provide truss, catenary wires and handrail as part of your hire package.
What are the different types of drapes?
Most of our hire stock consists of black wool serge drapes, ranging in size from small truss borders and staging handrail covers through to large stage curtains with up to a 10m drop (the drop is the height of the drape or curtain).
In addition, we stock a range of starcloth, white cyclorama and voiles.
- Our starcloths are made from black wool serge and are fitted with small pea-light lamps at intervals to produce a star-like effect, which easily and effectively adds depth to large spaces. The lamps are split over three circuits so the cloths can be made to twinkle by connecting each circuit to a separate dimmer channel and using a slow chase program.
- Cyclorama, also known as cyc, is a large, seamless white drape which is usually hung at the back of a stage. A cyc can be lit from multiple angles to create engaging looks such as colour fills and gradients allowing for endless creative possibilities. They can also be used for video or image projection.
- Voiles are a semi-transparent white fabric which can be draped or suspended, often overhead, to creatively enhance plain ceilings and walls.
Many other types and styles of drape are available. If there’s something you’re looking for that we don’t have, we can usually source it for you. We can also produce custom made drapes to your specification.
Why would Pipe and Base be a good solution for my event?
Drapes are a great way to transform or divide your space creating a clean and professional look for any event. The system eliminates working at height and costly rigging fees so it’s surprisingly cost effective.
Whether you’re creating a space for a photo shoot, live and recorded performances, trade show exhibitions or any other type of event, our range of drapes are affordable to suit your needs and we offer delivery within England, Scotland and Wales. The set up for the Pipe and Base structure is quick and simple, making it easy for anyone to assemble. Alternatively, we have an experienced team on hand to help you turn your vision into a reality at your next event.
Who uses Drapes?
We have a range of clients that hire drapes, along with our Pipe and Base system, for a variety of different applications. Schools regularly hire from us to decorate their stage for a production or show, corporate clients hire for their stand at a trade show or exhibition. Theatres and other venues hire drapes to use as backdrops or blackout drapes, and to enhance an area with starcloth. Wedding venues can also benefit from Pipe and Base systems by using them to create backdrops behind the top table, hide less desirable sections of the venue or to provide discreet walkways into kitchens for waiters to use. They can also be used to divide an area or large room, or to create smaller dressing rooms and private VIP areas.
How do I get in touch?
Whatever your requirements and needs are, we are here to help. Get in touch by filling out our contact form here, emailing us at [email protected] or giving us a call on 01733 554950. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
