On Fri, 29 Sep 2006 22:41:05 +0100, The Natural Philosopher
wrote:

NO, but polished stainless steel light pipes are used. Far cheaper and
surprisingly effective..must install one here on the central staircase.

Thanks to all for the replies. I looked at the sun pipes. Nice
suggestion, but they are expensive, and they don't make a version
designed to go horizontally through a wall. (The room in question is
on the ground floor.)

So perhaps I might insert four 10" x 10" windows, high in the wall,
glazed with some kind of prismatic glass (or perspex) that would
direct sunlight into the room. Can anyone recommend any such glass and
seen it at a reasonable price?

Incidentally, since the sun pipe concept works, does that mean you can
increase the light entering a room by lining window recesses with
mirror tiles or suchlike?

Mike W