Testing gas pressure in street lighting.

Here we witness a quietly fascinating moment in Edwardian London: a gas engineer perched atop a ladder, delicately adjusting the pressure of a gas-powered streetlamp, with an assistant anchoring the base. This was 1910, and electric street lighting was still rare in many parts of the city — gas remained the lifeblood of nocturnal visibility.

Set against the stately backdrop of Marble Arch, the photo captures the meticulous work that kept London glowing after dark. These lamplighters and engineers were unsung guardians of the city's rhythm, ensuring light where shadows once ruled.

The serenity and order of this early morning maintenance contrasts sharply with the hustle we associate with central London today.

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