Issue 37 Spring 23 WEB - Flipbook - Page 76
The solution at St Peters was obviously deemed a success
as neighbouring Churches in Gloucestershire and further
afield invited him to share his experience and competency
in transforming these most important of buildings through
the implementation of new lighting systems.
At an early stage of the Church work, Anthony learned
two things, a new lighting system was only as good as a
careful, considerate and sympathetic installation of cabling and that the correct solution could only be found
following extensive trials and discussions, not only with
the Diocesan representatives but also with the end users
of the building, namely the congregation, the Pcc’s and
the Fabric committees.
This ethos is still followed today and whilst the company
are happy to work and advise alongside the Church
Architects, they are also more than happy to work directly
for the Churches as it allows them to work on a non-fee
basis approach.
Whilst Anthonys own input to the company has been
reduced (he is considerably past retirement age but still
enjoys being involved) the connection of the company to
the relighting of liturgical buildings remains strong with
it making up at least 90% of the work that the company
carries out.
The company has been involved in relighting many of the
Country’s finest liturgical buildings over many
years and some of those are currently being worked
on the second time around which is testament to
good relationships and partnerships being formed,
not only before and during the time of the projects
but also long after they had been finished.
Above, Plymouth Cathedral
The hard work and determination of Anthony and his
team have been rewarded with nationally recognised
lighting design awards for lighting projects including the
external floodlighting of Worcester Cathedral, St Mary
Magdalen Sandringham and the architectural gem of St
Andrews Kingsbury.
The company are proud to have worked in countless
Churches large and small of all denominations over very
many years including Malmesbury Abbey, Belmont
Abbey, Mount St Bernard Abbey, Pershore Abbey,
Malvern Priory, the Birmingham Oratory, St Chads
Cathedral and the Church on the Royal Estate in
Sandringham, which directly after completion, Anthony
was invited to read the first lesson in front of the
distinguished worshippers.
A large project at the Catholic Cathedral in Plymouth
was completed last year and this consisted of a complete
design and installation of new lighting and wiring which
included external colour change Led lighting for the
visually dominating spire.
www.anthonyjsmith.co.uk
Above, Pershore Abbey
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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