Museum of Science and Industry

An arc lamp - the earliest form of electric light dating back to the early 1800s - has been restored to full working order at MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester) and will be demonstrated during the February half term holidays (11-19 February) as part of Energise - a series of events about energy.

Retired electrical engineer Ron Whalley, a volunteer at MOSI, has powered up the basic form of historic light in MOSI's Electricity Gallery using a generator from the Electric Construction Company. It will be illuminated regularly during Half term, in the basement of the Electricity Gallery.

Ron is an expert in electrical machinery and also helped to build MOSI's replica 1830 Planet steam locomotive. "The arc light hadn't been fired up for many years but the light and generator just needed some servicing and a safety barrier so that it can be demonstrated to the public. This was a significant development in lighting and this lamp is one of only two working examples left in the country."

The arc light gives a very intense form of white light and was first demonstrated in a very crude form by Sir Humphrey Davey to the Royal Institution on 29^th February 1812. He coupled several hundred chemical cells together to form a battery and connected them to two carbon rods. After touching the rods together he drew them apart and an arc shaped spark was drawn between them.

By the mid 1800's the arc lamp was developed for use in streets, railway stations and large buildings, as well as on film sets. However it was never practical for domestic lighting as the lights were too bright and smoked slightly. Many people complained of headaches if they were exposed to the lights for too long due to their high ultra-violet content - actors wore sunglasses on film sets while they waited to do their parts. The lights were also very maintenance-intensive.

By the First World War the filament lamp replaced most public lighting, but arc lamps remained in use particularly in cinema projectors even into the 1980s because of their high output point source of white light.

Energise activities are free family-oriented events which include the chance to build a pylon, dig for coal, light a street with Lego and meet costume characters in an all-electric 1930s home.

For more information on MOSI and Energise look up www.mosi.org.uk

For media enquiries please contact: Sarah Roe, MOSI press and publicity officer on Tel: 0161 606 0176, m: 07847 372647

 Notes to editors

MOSI is the winner of the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year in the 2011 Manchester Tourism Awards

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