Moonlight Towers: The Giant Lights That Turned Night into Day
For most of human history, the arrival of darkness meant the end of the working day. Cities could extend their
The “Glare Fixers”: How Marvin Pipkin Turned an “Impossible” Joke into One of Lighting’s Greatest Breakthroughs
Today, reducing glare is one of the most basic goals in lighting design. Whether it's an LED downlight, an architectural
The 1939 World’s Fair: The Event That Launched the Fluorescent Lighting Revolution
When the gates opened to the 1939 New York World's Fair, visitors expected to see the "World of Tomorrow". What
Illuminating the Last Remaining Wonder of the Ancient World: The Pyramids of Giza
For more than 4,500 years, the Great Pyramid of Giza has stood as one of humanity’s most extraordinary engineering achievements.
Radiant History
First Flashlight Patented
On January 10, 1899, British inventor David Misell obtained U.S. Patent No.617,592, assigned to American Electrical Novelty and Manufacturing Company. This "electric device" designed by Misell was powered by "D" batteries laid front to back
The Lava Lamp: A Groovy Journey Through Time
The lava lamp, with its mesmerizing movement and vibrant colors, has become an iconic symbol of the 1960s counterculture and a beloved decorative item in homes around the world. But how did this fascinating invention
Christie Digital Systems Unveils First Commercial Pure-Laser Projection System
Christie Digital Systems USA unveiled what it called the "world's first commercial pure-laser projection system" on June 13, 2014 at the Shanghai Film Art Center, the first cineplex built in China. The featured movie was
ADA Regulations Enacted (Including Lighting Standards)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that ensures people with disabilities have the same opportunities and access as everyone else. The ADA was signed into law in 1990 by President
First Electric Flash Lamp For Photography
The electric flash-lamp was invented by Joshua Cohen (a.k.a. Joshua Lionel Cohen of Lionel toy train fame) in 1899. It was granted U.S. patent number 636,492 on November 7th of that year. The flash of
Canadian Light Bulb Patented
On July 24, 1874, a Canadian patent was filed by a Toronto medical electrician named Henry Woodward and his colleague Mathew Evans. They built their lamps with different sizes and shapes of carbon rods held
History of Searchlights: A Beacon in War and Peace
Searchlights have long been a symbol of hope, guidance, and security, cutting through darkness to provide visibility in both times of war and peace. Their evolution reflects advancements in technology and design, as well as
The First Neon Sign In Las Vegas Appears
Ethel Guenter, owner of the Overland Hotel, is believed to have installed the first neon sign in Las Vegas in September of 1928. This was followed by famous examples, such as the Oasis Cafe sign
Pearl Street Station Powers Lower Manhattan
On September 4, 1882, the electrical age began. That day, Thomas Edison’s Edison Illuminating Company flipped the switch on his power station on Pearl Street in lower Manhattan, providing electricity to homes at a price
Tribute in Light: A Beacon of Remembrance
Every year, as the anniversary of September 11 approaches, New York City becomes home to a poignant and breathtaking art installation known as Tribute in Light. This powerful tribute, which consists of 88 searchlights arranged
