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Architecture When the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery was opened, the gallery and architects took the brave step of allowing natural sunlight illuminate this medieval exhibition. The sun doesn't shine directly upon the works, but through a series of reflections and refractions bounces through the roof on the walls and into the exhibition space. The effect is extra-ordinary -- there is a sense that this light is appearing from nowhere, the masterstroke being that because of the grey walls, and whatever meagre light hits the paintings, the gold leaf throughout engenders even more light, making the works even more stunning. Artificial light would only have dulled the impression. This method also saves on electricity bills as Architecture Week descibes:

The introduction of daylight with all its variety has always been recognized by architects as having positive advantages, and now this view has gained ground due to the realization that our finite resources of energy must be conserved in world terms. The developed nations need to consider how savings of energy through building design can make a positive contribution.

This short article delves into some of the history of how natural light has been used throughout the centuries for its luminous properties.