London Street Lamp

This job began with a phone call from an individual who had just purchased two antique post lamps that had last been used on the streets of a southern city. They are identical to old London street lamps and had originally been made as gas lamps. The owners planned to place them on their property to illuminate the walkway to their home. Since using gas as fuel was not practical and they did not want to electrify the lamps, it was decided to settle on kerosene as a fuel. This would give them the opportunity to experience a very real, live connection to a particular time in history, not only because of the softer illumination given off by the kerosene lamps, but also because of the necessity of following the daily routine of lighting, extinguishing, and maintaining the lamps.

Research showed that a number of kerosene lamps that were used in early post lamps were fitted with a duplex burner. This burner utilizes two wicks and therefore produces more light than a single-wick burner. The round font, raised top, and handle shape are all typical of early lamps.

It was decided to fashion the fonts from copper since it will out-last tinplate in a damp environment. Solid-brass burners that are manufactured in England were used. Quality filler caps and hoops are difficult, if not impossible to find, and so these pieces were custom made from solid brass; the threads were machined so that the caps can be easily removed and replaced with no trouble. The hand-blown chimneys have an interesting shape. The fitter (bottom) and top are round while the bulge (large, central portion) is oval shaped in order to improve the draft.

Kerosene Lamp for London Street Lamp