Celebrating the UNESCO International Year of Light, Hoare Lea Lighting took part in the ‘Night of Heritage Light’ (NoHL) by shining a ‘new light’ on one of Wales’ most iconic heritage sites – Blaenavon Iron Works. Organised by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL), the Night of Heritage Light illuminated ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites in order to ‘light map’ the UK and promote lighting as both an art form and a science. In addition to Blaenavon Iron Works, the installations across the UK and Ireland included William the Conqueror’s Tower of London, Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, Giant’s Causeway and Edinburgh Old and New Towns.

SLL President, Liz Peck commented: ‘The Night of Heritage Light is a great example of the industry coming together to bring the magic of light and lighting to the world. Lighting is an art form as well as a science, and we hope this event will inspire people to look more closely at the part light plays in their everyday lives, from the street to their place of work. It’s about inspiring the next generation of minds to make the great breakthroughs in lighting by thinking big and realising the industry’s potential.’

Blaenavon Ironworks, now the site of a museum, was established in 1789 and played a significant part in the industrial revolution, when the iron and coal industries of South Wales were of global importance. Hoare Lea Lighting showcased the site’s heritage, demonstrating the link between the community and the ironworks. Ben Porter, lighting designer, Hoare Lea Lighting, explains: ‘The names of people associated with the ironworks when it was in operation were placed around the base of the Balance Tower, and lit with small LED tea lights. Subtle lighting was also introduced to other elements to link the Tower and create varying scales within the scheme. ‘The team really enjoyed taking part in the Night of Heritage Light – it allowed us to show how lighting can enhance architecture, while giving us a fantastic opportunity to learn about Blaenavon Ironworks, particularly how much the site helped to shape both the local area, and its impact on the rest of the world.’