Night light, black and gilt metal holder, and porcelain shade illustrating scenes with mothers and children, European, 1871-1920

Night lights are used to provide comfort to children who are trying to get to sleep but are afraid of the dark. They were sometimes used in children’s wards in hospitals. This example is made of black painted tin with a gilt design. When a candle is placed in the centre of the night light scenes of mothers and children can be seen. The scenes are made using a technique called lithophane, in which a porcelain panel has a scene moulded in relief which is only visible when held against a strong light such as a candle. The technique was invented by a German diplomat, Baron Paul Charles de Bourgoing (1791-1864), in 1827.