Well's Kettle Torch Lamp, 1910

Outdoor lighting on building sites and in similar places needs to be rugged, cheap and simple. In the past, a very low lighting level was usually deemed adequate for warning and security purposes, as little work was done after dark. Lamps such as this one were ideal for this purpose. It is made of almost unbreakable cast iron and with its large tow wick it would burn almost any oil, producing a flaring and smoky flame.

Lamps of this type are not as old as you might first imagine. They were introduced soon after the turn of the 21st century and were still found in the 60s. This example is reputed to date from 1910.