The History of Lamps

An illuminated story

Lamps in one form another have been in existence since our Stone Age ancestors utilized rock depressions to place burning natural fibers in animal fat. These crude lamps later evolved to include such materials as shells, clay, glass, iron, pewter, brass, and bronze. Fuels changed over time as wellexpensive whale oil, fish oil, turpentine, alcohol, paraffin, and kerosene were eventually replaced by relatively inexpensive and clean electricity.

Styles of lamps evolved as much out of necessity and function as aesthetics. As available materials and fuels changed, and as innovations in wicking and draft protection arose, lamps took on different aestheticsfuel reservoirs and smoke reducers of 18th-century Betty Lamps dictated their saucer and spout design, while the invention of lamp oil gave rise to hurricane lamps' bulbous bottoms, decorative metal wicking mechanics, and half-hourglass shaped glass chimneys.

More than just a convenient way to illuminate a room, lamps have been used to set tone and mood, and have been utilized as symbols in religious ceremonies. They've been celebrated in art and literature, and have stood as metaphors for intellectual enlightenment and human progress.

Modern lamps

Today's lamps are as much about form as they are function. The advent of electricity and advancements in bulb technology have created seemingly endless possibilities for design and use. Today's lamps can be staid and serious, light and funky, or just simple and functional.

Whether you're traditional and conservative, far out and funky, or somewhere in between, there is a lamp to fit your every want, need and whim.