Ecclesiastical & Heritage World Issue No. 91

Page 20

And there was light: but carefully controlled [

THE LIGHTING of ecclesiastical and heritage buildings is one of the subjects this publication has returned to again and again – with good reason: it is a dynamic industry that has transformed both places of worship and our built heritage. In churches the ability to see what was going on and – as literacy bloomed in the 18th and 19th centuries – read the hymn book and service sheets enabled the population at large to take part in services as never before. Later, lighting schemes were developed to highlight features within the church. Now, electronic controls have enabled church services to become dramatic and musical events. In heritage buildings lighting has followed a similar path. From illuminating the contents to dramatising the building’s historical context, lighting schemes have become ever more sophisticated. With such buildings, however, there need be no rush to replace with modern lighting. In many cases, existing lights can be reused and may, indeed, be part of the heritage of the building. Historic England has this to say about the subject: “Any examples of early gas or electrical light fittings that have survived should, wherever possible, be left in position and form a part of the new lighting scheme, if feasible.” For people with a visual disability a good lighting scheme can

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boost appreciation of a place, providing it does not cause glare. The Pocklington Trust publishes advice on lighting design with visual impairment in mind. Outside, lighting schemes have also developed apace. In the 1970s ‘son et luminaire’ presentations were widely advertised and were major events. Now, external lighting of churches and historic buildings can be manipulated at the touch of a button. Historic England offers a caveat: “It should be remembered that external lighting can not only augment the view of a historic building, but if done badly can produce the opposite effect by enhancing the negative aspects. A building or location is like the face of an old friend; depending upon how the lighting is chosen and located it can produce either flattering or unflattering results.” A relatively modern concern is the effect of light pollution on the environment. Harrods London Historic England says: “Any scheme must not only illuminate but make the building or place more interesting, assist in making visitors feel safe by putting people back at the centre of all public spaces, help tell a story, boost the building or area’s identity and assist visitors in appreciating the night by only using light where needed.” The advice seems to be that, as with many things in life, the essence of a good lighting scheme is careful control. q


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Articles inside

Shedding some light on the new Part L Building Regulations

4min
page 48

Steel windows – protecting our architectural heritage

3min
page 49

Leading brick maker reiterates its sustainability goals

4min
page 47

Summertime…and the lightning is striking!

4min
pages 45-46

Parishioners’ kindness alleviates COVID restrictions

3min
page 44

Mastic asphalt: it’s versatile and green, and can be applied to roofs or floors

1min
page 43

Reroofing project posed a slippery problem for NT’s bats

3min
page 42

Get the roofing training that’s specific to your needs

2min
page 38

Locally-made tiles allow a jewel of the Jewellery Quarter to shine again

3min
pages 40-41

Rise in thefts prompts insurer to reissue guidance

1min
page 39

Get the expert’s view on streaming

3min
page 35

How to modernise heritage sites and remain compliant

5min
pages 36-37

Spending a legacy on a sound system – what to upgrade?

4min
page 34

Heating specialist notches up a half century

2min
page 26

Exterior lighting scheme is latest in a long line of special projects

4min
page 23

Co-ordination allows numerous repairs to be carried out at once

3min
pages 27-28

Thinking of an AV installation? Here’s some advice...

3min
page 32

Church regains control after obsolete lighting is replaced

1min
page 24

AV’s institute meets again to mark anniversary

2min
page 31

Easter message is brought to life virtually by C of E

2min
page 33

With historic lighting, you can replace or you can repurpose

3min
pages 21-22

And there was light: but carefully controlled

2min
page 20

St George’s tames the dragon of poor sound

3min
page 13

Roofing specialists help keep Durham’s jewel in good order

3min
page 16

Kentec’s new K-Mesh wireless technology wins praise for Chester Cathedral project

3min
page 17

Cathedrals must offer a welcome to

2min
page 18

Audit sheds light on improving access to cultural heritage sites

2min
page 19

Integration of ancient and modern is the aspiration

1min
page 14

The care of cathedrals is something we should all care about

2min
page 12
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