Lighting project awakens hidden gem

The Roman Catholic Sacred Heart Church in Exeter is part of the Plymouth Diocese and was completed in1884 to cater for the growing Catholic population in the city at that time.

The church, in South Street, sits close to the Anglican Cathedral. It is Grade Two-listed and was built in the Gothic Revival style, designed by Leonard Stokes who was one of the leading figures of the freer interpretation of Gothic in the late 19th century.

As the oldest remaining architectural work by Stokes, it is fortunate to survive, as this part of Exeter was heavily targeted and hit during the Second World War.

The church sits on a site which was previously the Bear Tavern. Prior to that, before the dissolution, it was the town house of the abbots of Tavistock Abbey.

Sacred Heart has a richly ordained interior that many who walk past on a regular basis would be surprised to see, should they ever venture inside. It includes elaborate reredoses in marble and alabaster by Scoles, and a decorative wrought iron rood screen depicting the crucifixion. The floors within the sanctuary and both side chapels are exquisitely formed from inlaid Italian wooden blocks.

Neil Blake from Anthony J Smith(Glos)Ltd had briefly visited Sacred Heart previously whilst passing and had noted how poor the lighting system was. As such he was delighted to visit in 2022 to discuss the options for a new wiring and lighting system with the late Fr Kieran Kirby.

Neil Blake said: “We had worked with Fr Kieran in two previous parishes and had always kept an excellent working relationship with him. I knew Sacred Heart would benefit massively from a new lighting system as it was typical of many church projects where the lighting had been installed over 25 years previously.

“The sodium and metal halide floodlights did very little to enhance this architectural gem and it was a real privilege to be invited to assist in any way that we could. As in many similar church projects, local electricians had installed some high-power LED floodlights on a like-for-like basis for the failed discharge lamps but the quality of light produced did very little to improve the visual aesthetics.

“When Fr Petroc was installed as the new parish priest, he had his own interpretation of what he wanted to see, so a few alterations to the original proposals were required. Having worked with Fr Petroc at an earlier project at the cathedral through his position on the Historic Churches Committee (HCC), I knew that as long as the proposed solution met the requirements of the parish, the architecture and the wider community then all parties would be happy.”

Following the gaining of all relevant permissions through the HCC, a new system of spotlights, floodlights and LED linear outlets using latest generation technologies was installed. They are individually controlled through an easy-to-operate-and-alter wired Dali scene setting system. Lighting outlets from a variety of manufacturers were chosen based on performance, reliability and suitability for each specific individual task.

Sacred Heart Church before installation of the new lighting systemFr Petroc added: “I had full confidence in Anthony J Smith(Glos)Ltd to interpret the specific requirements appropriately. They have been assisting churches with their lighting needs for many years and their experience and understanding of church life, and lighting needs generally, was particularly reassuring.

“They worked closely with the church’s representative Martin Overy and myself to provide a solution that greatly improves the visual aesthetics whilst providing exactly the desired levels of light in the specifically desired areas and spaces.

“The control system is easy for ourselves to make changes to the settings as and when required. Peter and Dan did a marvellous and sympathetic installation of new wiring and careful planning allowed the church to continue without interruption to the daily masses or funerals etc. I believe that I speak for the entire parish when I say that we are thrilled at what has been achieved.”

Anthony Smith added: “2026 will be the 50th anniversary of when the company became ‘Ltd’ and I have been truly blessed for our company to be involved with countless church relighting projects. I started this journey a very long time ago working in St Peters Gloucester (my own church) where I am still chairman of the Fabric Committee and I am very happy to see the company continue working successfully in the nation’s most beautiful and important buildings.”

For further information visit www.anthonyjsmith.co.uk.