One dictionary definition of guerrilla is an unofficial independent army of partisan soldiers, and following the success of 'Guerrilla Lighting Manchester' in November, it was a 100+ strong army that descended on London after dark on 15 February.

The concept of Guerrilla Lighting was created by Martin Lupton, director of BDP Lighting, for the purpose of raising awareness of the power of lighting whilst also highlighting the benefits of strategic lighting as an alternative to the wasteful use of light within out cities. Under the guidance of a team leader, the ten teams created transient lighting designs by using high powered torches, battery powered LED projectors, luminous dot lights and an array of gels and filters.

Instructed to be in a specific position at a given distance from their target, the teams simultaneously lit up various aspects of the Pool of London's architecture on cue at the sound of an air horn, creating a dramatic spectacle. The seven sites, four along the south bank and three along the north bank, included Old Billingsgate Fish Market, Hayes Galleria and an impromptu show onto the side of City Hall. The installations were photographed, the lighting turned off and the teams move on to the next site.

The teams were made up of local lighting designers, architects, interior designers, artists, lawyers, project managers and manufacturers, all of whom are keen to draw attention to the possibilities, and importance, of lighting in the urban environment. Empty office blocks with lighting on late into the night were identified as one example where significant amounts of energy could be saved.

The event took place as part of 'Switched ON London', London's first festival of light which ran from 8 – 16 February.

- Ends -

For further information, contact

Sheri Besford Tel:020 7812 8008 Email: ms-besford@bdp.co.uk

Martin Lupton, Director, BDP Lighting Tel: 020 7812 8119 Mobile: 07766 470 769 Email: martin@guerrillalighting.net