The lighting of the home/ practical and aesthetic considerations on the selection of fittings

This lighting catalogue was produced by Birmingham Guild Ltd in 1910. At the turn of the century, most middle-class British homes had gas lighting. Domestic electricity became available in 1882. It was more expensive and less widely available than gas, and so became a status symbol. Light fittings and shades for both gas and electric powered homes had similar designs. However, some electric shades made the light bulb a feature of their design to emphasise the use of an exclusive modern energy source.