3-070-737 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Electric Light at the Mansion-House, [London], 1881. 'The rival systems of electric light apparatus, respectively produced by the Anglo-American Brush Company and by Messrs. Siemens, of Woolwich, have been put on trial in the City streets...It is claimed for both of the systems tried last week in the City that they possess special advantages...Each great [Siemens] lamp...is fed by its own dynamo-electric machine, separate conductors being led from the machines to each lamp...To prevent as far as possible any risk of accident, the communicating wires have been laid in cast-iron pipes...Our Illustration shows the scene in front of the Mansion House, where the combined effect of Siemens Brothers' three lofty lamps - each 75 ft. high and of 2000 or 3000 candle power - shed a splendid effulgence on the surrounding area, and brought out with startling effect the architectural features of the Royal Exchange, the Bank, and the Mansion House...The lighting by Siemens' system extended from London Bridge, by King William-street, and the Poultry, to the middle of Cheapside, and to Guildhall; and that of the Brush Company from the middle of Cheapside, through St. Paul's Churchyard, down Ludgate-hill, and by New Bridge-street to Blackfriars Bridge'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.