What did lighting look like in 1910?
In 1910, the world was on the cusp of significant advancements in technology and innovation, including in the field of lighting. As electricity became more widely available, there was a shift away from gas and oil lamps towards electric lighting. This transition brought about various changes in the way lighting was used and perceived in households, businesses, and public spaces.
One of the most common forms of lighting in 1910 was incandescent lighting. Incandescent bulbs, which had been popularized by Thomas Edison in the late 19th century, were widely used in homes and businesses during this time. These bulbs produced light by passing an electric current through a thin filament, causing it to heat up and emit light. While incandescent lighting was effective in providing illumination, it was also relatively inefficient, as a significant amount of energy was lost as heat.
Another popular form of lighting in 1910 was gas lighting, although its use was gradually declining due to the increasing availability of electricity. Gas lamps, which burned natural gas or other gases to produce light, were still used in some areas where electricity had not yet been fully adopted. Gas lighting was known for its warm, flickering glow, but it was also less convenient and more expensive than electric lighting.
In addition to incandescent and gas lighting, other forms of lighting were also in use in 1910. For example, arc lamps, which produced light by creating an arc between two carbon electrodes, were commonly used in outdoor and industrial settings. These lamps were much brighter than incandescent bulbs but were also more expensive to operate. Additionally, candles and oil lamps were still used in some homes, particularly in rural areas where electricity was not yet available.
Overall, the lighting landscape in 1910 was diverse and transitioning rapidly. The shift towards electric lighting was well underway, with incandescent bulbs becoming increasingly common in homes and businesses. Gas lighting was still in use in some areas, but its popularity was waning. As technology continued to advance, new forms of lighting would emerge, paving the way for the modern lighting solutions we have today.