Seminar will offer illumination on the lighting of churches

On 7 November St Paul’s Cathedral will host Lighting in Churches and Cathedrals, an event that will bring together up-to-date knowledge and experience of lighting design and installation, energy-efficient lighting solutions and effective controls.

The event, organised by the Church of England’s Church Care organisation, is targeted at those involved with managing church and cathedral buildings, in particular diocesan and cathedral officers and their advisors, architects and surveyors. Examples from church and cathedral buildings will be used in the presentations and light fittings especially adapted for sensitive historic interiors will be explored.

Among the subjects under discussion at the fully-subscribed event will be issues involving the Equalities Act, presented by Geraldine O’Farrell of English Heritage. Under the Act churches should make adjustments to their interiors to cater for disabled persons. Ms O’Farrell will explore the best style of lighting to cater for all church users and how this can be achieved, as well as giving general guidance about how to effectively illuminate the exterior facade and grounds of a historic place of worship.

The role of lighting in safety and security will be explored by Ecclesiastical Insurance’s Kevin Thomas. The talk will highlight positive examples in churches where installing appropriate lighting has helped to reduce the risk of future injury to employees, volunteers and visitors.
The all-important energy-efficiency issue will be addressed by Liz Green, North Wales Curator of the National Trust, which has embarked on a major project to install LED lighting in its properties.

Case studies will range from a small parish church – presented by lighting designer James Morse – to St Paul’s Cathedral itself. The presentation, by Surveyor of the Fabric Oliver Caroe and Bruce Kirk of Light Perceptions, will be followed by a tour to observe the award-winning project, designed by Spiers and Major (pictured).

The keynote address will be given by Dr Robyn Pender of English Heritage. Her address, Why light? Natural, artificial and impact, will look at the historical place of light in the church.