Looking for Divine Inspiration!

[richy3333]

I've been asked to rewire a small church and it includes renewal of the wall lights (around 20 X). There is no specification (- its been left to the local clergy and me) and the Diocese have no specific requirements etc. Basically it's up to me to suggest some light fittings.

Does anyone have any ideas on where to source something suitable and somber? I've tried Google and nothing has turned up - neither 3 wholesalers. I'm also an atheist so have little experience of seeing church lighting!

I'll try and upload a photo of whats presently there, but they are 55 years old.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Adam W]

I don't think the denomination makes any difference, it would mainly need to be in keeping with the architecture of the building - something which would be in keeping with a medieval building might not be appropriate for a 1970s happy-clappy affair.
In my experience churches usually have ceiling pendants instead of wall lights, but if you search images for something like 'victorian wall lights' or 'gothic wall lights' that may give you some inspiration.
I would say either way you'd be looking at something LED, maybe add some spots pointing onto the altar and where all the 'action' takes place, maybe concealed LED tape to light up the ceiling....

 

[Richard Burns]

The perfect choice!


Though actually I would tend to aim for this sort of shape of wall light, curved flat to the wall.
But as said above it does depend on the ambience.

 

[Gazthesparky]

I have replaced some lighting in a couple of churches over the years.

I recieved a specification from the church who had a design visit from a specialist who was in charge of lighting or something at Lichfield cathedral. I carnt remember his proper title but he spec the lighting required an I had to install what he said.

Anyway there were 5 hanging 300watt wall lights down each side of the church on the wall on the balcony these got changed for 70w hmi fittings

At the front of the church by the alter there were 2 big windows on either side and he had spec 250watt hmi fittings one on each window cill. Hidden in the corner

He had spec black fittings throughout but I suggested the 70w wall ones were changed to white as they were on white walls.

The church was really well lit once these were changed. I will see if I can dig some photos out if I get chance.

 

[Gazthesparky]

2x 250w HMI floods one on each side on the window ledge there were then 4x 70w HMI fittings put on the near pillars 2 on each side (the light didn't look green to the eye it was very much white i think it was my camera that couldn't cope with the colour lol



the 70w floods wall washes on the balcony you can see the existing 300w incandescent fittings still in situ on the front of the balcony balustrade these were left in as the Lighting designer wanted to keep the look of them



the 70w hmi were used to provide the main light levels

We did try the 70w floods pointing upwards towards the wooden ceiling but the dark wood soaked up all the light and little was bounced back. It was better that they pointed downwards and bounced off the white walls. We adjusted them so they just cut off the isle so they wouldn't blind or dazzle you as you walked down the isle or should i say the bride all in white.