The Media Archive for Central England is the public screen archive for the East and West Midlands. An independent charity and company based at the University of Lincoln, MACE acquires, catalogues, preserves and makes widely available moving image materials that inform our understanding of the diverse cultures and histories of communities between the Lincolnshire coast and the Welsh border.
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Gas Lamp Lighter
Did Britain's second city really still have gas lamps in operation in the 1970s?
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Overview
Reporter Tony Maycock discovers a little piece of Victorian engineering still in operation in the Birmingham of 1973. Gas lamps bring to mind hansom cabs and foggy streets of the 19th century but he finds out that 200 are still in use in the city. Maycock learns about the dying art of the lamp lighter when he meets the last one. He finds he understands the appeal of the warm glow of gas light and knows how to get the best out of the antique wicks, burners and clockwork mechanisms.
The last Birmingham gas lamp was removed in January 1975. It was situated on Duke Street in the Gosta Green area of the city on land since acquired by Aston University.
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