Testing gas pressure in street lighting.

1910

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.

💡 Do you or your family have photos showing early street technology or trades? Share them on Oldpik.com — help preserve everyday brilliance from the past.

📌 SEO tags: Gas lamp London 1910, street lighting history UK, Marble Arch historic photos, Edwardian public works, lamplighters England

Contributed by OldPik on September 18, 2024

Image

Testing gas pressure in street lighting.
You must be logged in to comment on the photos.
Log in

No comment yet, be the first to comment...

Nearby photos

The start of the tricycle race

Edwardian ladies board a taxi

1 km away

New Year's Eve in London

1 km away

Shoppers and traffic

2 km away

Henry Dixon and Son’s shop in Macclesfield Street, Soho

2 km away

Georgie and Amy Pirkis with their amah

2 km away