Light

Household lighting has been one continuous effort to render the hours of darkness bright, and to provide by artificial means a luminosity which would, if not actually rivalling the sun, enable people to carry on their life with the same ease, convenience, and comfort after daylight had disappeared as during the earlier portion of the day. Every stage which has been advanced in artificial lighting has been welcomed in the home just as much as in the factory and in the workshop, for there are many daily duties as well as pleasures and amusements which are carried out much more satisfactorily when a good light is available than when there are shadows and dark corners only dimly lighted.

A Burning Light

Time To Read: approximately 2 minutes 50 seconds for 510 words

Today we switch on an electric light to drive away the darkness, but just over 100 years ago fire and light were not so readily available and held in high regard. Similarly the items associated with both fire and light were both elaborate and practical.

Georgian Brass Chamberstick c.1820

Chambersticks

Time To Read: approximately 2 minutes 55 seconds for 526 words

In our modern electric light world it is hard to imagine what it was like in the 1700's, but lighting was very well thought out. For example, candlesticks were placed in front of mirrors in order to increase the lighting effect given off by the candle flame. Even the metal candlesticks were polished in order to increase the reflection of the light.