Gas-fired room ventilator, 1859

Gas-Fired room ventilator, built by an unknown company in an unknown place in 1859, and installed at 148 Piccadilly Street, London.

Ventilators are used to maintain a flow of fresh air inside a building. Various methods of natural ventilation have been developed over the centuries such as having high roofs and long, thin windows. Mechanical ventilation systems were developed during the early 19th century alongside the innovation of new forms of power, namely steam and gas.

For most of the 19th century, only prominent buildings could afford mechanical ventilation systems, such as Parliament.

This gas-fired room ventilator was installed in 1859 at 148 Piccadilly Street, London. This was at the time one of the most desirable properties in London, and was the home of a branch of the wealthy Rothschild family, who resided there from 1839 to 1937.

By the early 20th century, mechanised ventilation systems became increasingly available, and eventually required by health and safety laws, for most households in the UK.