Holmes’ generator, designed in 1867 and put into service in 1871, is seen here on display in the Science Museum’s Making the Modern World gallery in 2007. British engineer Frederick Hale Holmes (c 1840-1875) found that magneto-electric generators could provide a continuous current able to produce a brilliant electric arc for lighting. Electric lights were far more powerful than wood and coal fires, pitch pots and candle lanterns which were used previously, making navigation at night far safer for shipping. The South Foreland Lighthouse off the Kent coast was the first to have an electric light in 1858.

Picture Reference: 10464531
Subject: NATURAL WORLD > Navigation > Lighthouse Optics
Inventory No.: 1915-0295
Credit: Science Museum

Keywords: 1780-1818, 1800s, 19th Century, Building, Coastal Building, Electricity, Electricity Supply, Europe, Frederick, Frederick Hale Holmes, Generator, Hale, Holmes, Illumination, Industrial Revolution, Lighthouse, Lighthouse Optics, Lighting, Magneto-electric, Man-made, Man Made Structure, Man Made, Natural, Point, Science, Souter Point Lighthouse, Souter, Supply, Uk, United Kingdom, Victorian, World

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