Halo - Studio Waldemeyer
'Halo' by Moritz Waldemeyer is a transcendent light installation nestled within the storied architecture of St Stephen Walbrook Church. This historic materpiece, designed by the illustrious Sir Christopher Wren, stands as a symbol of London's resilience and enduring spirit, rising from the ashes of the Great fire of London in 1666.
Just a short distance from Sir Christopher Wren's other acknowledged masterpiece - St Paul's Cathedral - St Stephen Walbrook beckoned me. It was my first visit to this church, made to witness the light installation Halo by Studio Waldemeyer as part of the 2023 London Design Festival. I had passed the church on a couple of occasions but never felt inspired to step beyond the threshold. Having done so on this occasion I was rewarded with not only the wondrous spectacle of the immersive light installation, but also Sir Christopher Wren's elegantly proportioned architecture with an impressive dome, (a precursor to that he created for St Paul's Cathedral).
St Paul's Cathedral dome
The dome is 63 ft high and supported by a square of twelve Corinthian columns. I was surprised to learn that the unusual, circular, travertine marble altar was created by Henry Moore, and the lovely, colourful kneelers surrounding it by Patrick Heron. Studio Waldemeyer's installation was fascinating. It evoked natural phenomena, most obviously the aurora borealis. The installation works so wonderfully in this space, and enhances the sacred and meditative experience of all seeking spiritual comfort in this building. So vivid and powerful was the light which bathed the dome it made everything else in the church appear black and white as you can see from the pictures below. It was the an incredible, transcendent experience. St Stephens felt somehow vaguely familiar. I was certain that I'd encountered the layout and placement of the architectural elements such as the large arched windows, columns and chandeliers previously. It was only later that it clicked, and I realised that it was because it reminded me so much of St James's Church, Piccadilly, another great piece of London architecture also created by Wren which contains many similar hallmarks of his which I visited for another installation previously (here).
St Stephen Walbrook designed by Sir Christopher Wren
The Henry Moore designed altar.
The Patrick Heron designed kneelers.
until 24th September
St Stephen Walbrook
39 Walbrook
London
EC4N
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