Extending the Day
Artificial light in the 1800s changed concepts of time, work, leisure activities, and consumption. Lighting systems shifted from candles, to whale and other oils, to coal gas—often all were used simultaneously. Improved lighting increased productivity as factory workers labored far into the night. Lit public spaces extended the hours spent in oyster houses, theatres, and museums and provided shoppers better views of consumer goods.
Oil lamp, patented by John H. Irwin, 1862
This lamp used coal oil; kerosene lamps followed similar designs. The bright and economical flame permitted people to accomplish work at night.
Rubens Peale’s cockspur gas burner, 1814, manufactured by Otis Chaffee and Joseph Lyon
Rubens Peale’s brother and fellow artist Rembrandt Peale founded the first American coal gas company in 1817. It lit their museum and Baltimore’s Belvedere Theatre with cockspur burners.
Lent by Dan Mattausch and Nancy Mattausch
Joseph Russell, Parlor at Mrs. Smith's Boarding House, Broad and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, 1853
As indoor lighting improved with gas piped into homes, concepts of work and leisure changed. Families gathered in the parlor to read, enjoy games, or do handwork.
Courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art: Purchased with funds contributed by the Barra Foundation, Inc., 1994
Scrimshaw whale panbone, about 1840
A scene of whale hunting is depicted on this whale’s jawbone. By 1857 New Bedford’s yearly catch was valued at 10 million dollars.
Patent model of whale oil lamp, invented by Alonzo Platt, 1836
Platt recommended this lamp for cotton factories—as long as a glass beneath caught sparks before they could ignite the cotton.
Patent model of solar lamp, invented by Robert Cornelius, 1843
Lit by cheap lard oil or kitchen grease, Robert Cornelius’ lamp outsold those fueled by the expensive whale oil. His company became the largest lighting company in America.
Robert Cornelius, self-portrait, 1839
A photographer before joining the family lamp-making business, Cornelius took this self-portrait by staring motionless at the camera for five minutes.
Ticket for social levee at City Hall, No. 3 Amoskeag Mill, 1848
This evening event marked the winter lighting of the mills. Although artificial light lengthened the workday and increased profits, open flames created dangerous working conditions.
