Lighting schemes can help show your true colours

Photo ©Barabbas 1312

[ON THE FRONT COVER of the last issue we showcased the spectacular sight of Ely Cathedral lit in the colours of the Ukraine flag in a show of sympathy and solidarity. It was a recent and impactful example of ways in which modern technology has made it possible for lighting schemes to be used to carry messages – allowing churches and other public buildings to wear their hearts on their sleeves.

The recent Diamond Jubilee saw a veritable crowning glory of such messages, topped by the frontage of Buckingham Palace but repeated on a more lowly scale by churches around the country, such as the 16thcentury Church of St Mary the Virgin in Monken Hadley, Hertfordshire (above left) lit in the signature purple of the Jubilee.

Aside from flags and national emblems, the use the use of colour in lighting to convey a message was used to great effect during the pandemic to express thanks and support for the NHS. The distinctive blue of the NHS was seen across the nation, such as at the medieval Church of St Andrew in Halstead, Essex (above).

Often, the significance of the building adds gravitas to the message it is conveying. Among the many examples are the lighting of the Millennium Bridge in Gateshead to convey the message of suicide prevention.

The whole idea of using lights to convey a message goes back way further than any of these events, of course, and reminds us of what Christianity is all about. We all put up Christmas lights. q

Photo ©kitmasterbloke