Christian Hersey: Profile

When people ask what makes our garden lighting different, the answer usually surprises them.

Long before I was designing and installing outdoor lighting, I was studying Fine Art at the University of Leeds, specialising in painting and sculpture. During my time there, I was also part of the internationally recognised Leeds 13 group, a collective of young artists whose work attracted widespread media attention for its creativity and originality.

Although my career ultimately took a different direction, those years shaped the way I see the world. They taught me to think about composition, balance, texture, shadow, colour and the emotional impact of light. Those artistic principles remain at the heart of every garden lighting scheme I design today.

Lighting Is More Than Installing Lights

Many people think garden lighting is simply about placing lights around a garden.

I see it differently.

A successful lighting scheme should reveal the beauty of a garden without overwhelming it. It should create atmosphere rather than glare, guide people naturally through the space, and transform a garden into somewhere that feels inviting long after the sun has gone down.

Every project begins by understanding the garden itself — its architecture, planting, mature trees, focal points and the way the owners want to enjoy the space.

Rather than flooding an area with light, I carefully layer lighting to create depth, contrast and visual interest. The aim is always for the lighting to feel effortless, as though the garden simply comes alive at night.

Combining Creativity with Technical Expertise

Art is only one part of the equation.

Over the years, I have designed and installed garden lighting systems for properties ranging from small urban courtyards to large country gardens and luxury homes across London and the surrounding counties.

This experience has given me a detailed understanding of:

• Professional low-voltage garden lighting systems
• Lighting design principles
• Cable planning and installation
• Tree and architectural lighting
• Smart lighting controls and automation
• Long-term reliability and maintenance
• Energy-efficient LED technology
• Designing systems that are easy to maintain and expand in the future

Every installation is designed to look beautiful while being engineered to perform reliably for many years.

A Personal Approach

No two gardens are the same.

That’s why I don’t believe in “off-the-shelf” lighting designs. Every project is individually designed to suit the property, its surroundings and the people who live there.

I enjoy working closely with homeowners, architects and landscape designers to create lighting that complements the overall vision for the garden.

Often, it’s the smallest details — a softly illuminated tree canopy, carefully positioned pathway lights or subtle architectural accents — that make the greatest difference.

Experience You Can Trust

After many years working exclusively in garden lighting, I’ve had the privilege of transforming hundreds of outdoor spaces across London, Essex, Hertfordshire and the Home Counties.

That experience means I’ve encountered almost every type of garden, planting style, construction challenge and lighting requirement.

It also means I understand something that’s difficult to teach: knowing when not to add another light.

Good lighting isn’t about using more fittings. It’s about placing the right light in exactly the right position.

Our Philosophy: Let the Garden Shine

At Garden Lighting London, our goal is simple:

To create elegant, timeless outdoor lighting that enhances your garden while respecting its natural beauty.

Every design is built around quality materials, careful craftsmanship and a belief that great lighting should never draw attention to itself — it should simply make your garden look extraordinary.

If you’re considering transforming your garden, we’d be delighted to discuss your ideas and show you how thoughtful lighting design can completely change the way you experience your outdoor space.