Ansell Illuminates Rediscovered Crypt at St Mary’s Church with Reef Bi-Directional Wall Lights

The Project

During ongoing floor renovation works at St Mary’s Church in Knowsley, contractors made a remarkable discovery — a long-hidden crypt beneath the church’s main floor. The newly revealed space required careful restoration and a sympathetic lighting solution that would enhance its striking architecture without disturbing the historic stonework.

Ansell Lighting was appointed to provide a fitting that could deliver atmospheric illumination while respecting the heritage fabric of the building. Working in partnership with Glyn Nuttall Electrical Contractors and Frank Rogers Building Contractors, the goal was to create a lighting design that highlighted the crypt’s vaulted arches and walkways, adding both drama and functionality

The Solution

To meet the project’s demanding brief, Ansell’s Reef CCT Bi-Directional Wall Light was selected for installation throughout the crypt.

Mounted directly onto the existing masonry, the fittings were installed with minimal disturbance to the stone walls — a key requirement in this sensitive heritage environment.

• The upward light accentuates the crypt’s arched ceiling, washing the stonework in a soft, even glow that reveals the beauty of the vaulted structure.

• The downward light gently illuminates the walkway, ensuring safe access and guiding visitors through the space without glare.

• With CCT selectable technology, the team could fine-tune the colour temperature to achieve the perfect balance between warmth and clarity, complementing the church’s historic interior.

The combination of discreet installation, robust IP65 construction, and refined light output made the Reef the ideal choice for this unique project.

The Result

The completed installation has transformed the rediscovered crypt into a captivating feature of St Mary’s Church. The Reef wall lights elegantly highlight the architectural details of the ceiling and arches, while creating a welcoming, atmospheric environment for visitors.

Thanks to the close collaboration between Ansell Lighting, Glyn Nuttall Electrical Contractors, and Frank Rogers Building Contractors, the project achieved an impressive, high-quality finish — bringing light and life to a once-hidden part of the church’s history.