Archive · winter 2024/25
During Advent 2024, Bath Abbey hosted Light of Stars, a handcrafted illuminated installation designed to work with the Abbey's historic architecture and seasonal programme. Running from November 2024 into January 2025, the installation invited visitors to experience the building beneath a constellation of handmade stars.
A canopy of handcrafted stars
More than 70 handmade paper stars were arranged through the Abbey, with the composition responding to the scale of the nave, stained glass and long architectural views. The installation remained visible during ordinary opening hours and became part of the setting for the Abbey's Advent and Christmas activity. At its heart, the Advent Star illuminated the Abbey's nativity scene as a symbol of hope, unity and peace.
The stars were made using traditional screen printing, folding and assembly processes by the makers behind Paper Starlights, which has worked with skilled artisans in India since 1996.
“We are incredibly excited to be able to host this work. To give us a sense of being a part of a wider universe, and to be the first of, we are sure, many greater churches who may come to benefit from and share in this unique work of beauty.”Rev Stephen Girling, Bath Abbey Missioner
Community, craft and a shared sky
Light of Stars reflects the long-standing relationship between Paper Starlights and the craft of handmade paper lanterns. The project brings that work into a large public setting, with stars made by people from different faith backgrounds and communities.
The installation also became the focal point of the second Bath Lights the Night, created by Bath Business Improvement District with Bath Carnival around the shared theme of Under the Same Stars. Local musicians performed beneath the installation, while Paper Starlights donated paper star lanterns for parade participants who had not been able to make their own in community workshops.
“It’s like being amongst the angels.”Visitor to Light of Stars
For media enquiries, interviews or high-resolution imagery, contact media@paperstarlights.com.