A Light In The Darkness – 200 Years Of The Flame-Safety Lamp

This Autumn, the National Coal Mining Museum for England investigates how and why the safety lamp was so important to the mining industry in a new exhibition, A Light In The Darkness – 200 years of the Flame-Safety Lamp.

The exhibition marks the 200th anniversary of the invention of the Davy and Stephenson flame safety lamps – a first step in providing safe lighting for miners underground and will demonstrate the evolution to the modern deputy’s lamp.

Coal miners were frequently at danger from explosive mixtures of methane gas in the mine atmosphere. While providing safer lighting than a naked flame, the lamp could also be used to warn of the presence of gas. As it was developed and improved it became a vital safety device saving countless lives.

Many of the lamps from the Museum’s own collection as well as objects relating to the development, sale and maintenance of the flame-safety lamp will be on display. Families can try out the lamp game and leave their safety lamp stories, while for educational groups the education team have been developing an exciting new interactive workshop.

The exhibition is open during Museum opening hours and is free entry.