18 : Lighting the church
Prior to 2003, the church was lit as shown in the photographs, with plain iron chandeliers suspended from the ceiling by long wires. This failed to display the full glory of the architecture, and evening services and concerts were hampered by the ‘dingy’ lighting.
The current impressive lighting scheme was designed by Andrew Dixon, and installed in 2003/4. This uses 24 powerful lamps, inserted into 9 inch holes bored in the ceiling, with permission from English Heritage. Lighting was also added to the aisles and other features of the church. Subsequently, extra lighting has been added to display the new organ and the west window. The lighting was consecrated in June 2004 by the Bishop of Willesden. The cost was £47,000, and was borne by a legacy from Joan Lucas, who left £50,000 to the church.
More recently, external floodlighting was installed in September 2013, again designed by Andrew Dixon. This is remarkably effective, and enhances the architectural features of the building. It cost about £9000, and was principally funded by a generous gift from Ian and Anne Hamerton as a memorial to Anne’s parents, Margaret and Ken Kite.
