Work on converting the ornate chandelier lamps lining each side of the nave at Bath Abbey has been completed – as part of the ‘Footprint Project’. Financial support from Business West and the Friends of Bath Abbey made this possible. The gas-fed lamps were designed by Francis Skidmore of Coventry out of wrought iron and installed in the 1870’s during the major restoration work undertaken by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott at this great Tudor church between 1864 and 1874.
The chandeliers are Gothic in style and were converted to electricity in 1979. They have been modified again to carry low energy but more efficient lighting.
The modification carried out seems to have actually improved upon the original fitting with the Abbey able to control the intensity of the lights and save on electricity.
According to the Abbey’s Annual Review – now published – visitors have noticed the new-look lighting.
Charles Curnock who is the Footprint Project Director said ‘ many have commented on an improvement aesthetically as they are much closer to the original design intent.’
