Learning through objects from the Islington Education Library Service’s handling collection

Concertina Lantern, Turkey

This lantern is made out of two copper bowls. White linen is suspended between the bowls. Thin metal wires reinforce the linen so that it folds and unfolds, like an accordion.

The lower copper bowl forms a tray to hold a candle and the top bowl has an opening. When the two bowls are together with the linen folds, a candle can be placed in the holder in the bottom bowl. The candle is lit, and the linen, folded open, separates the two copper bowls. The linen surrounds the lit candle, protecting it from draughts and allowing light to shine through the mesh.

The top bowl has a pierced pattern, which allows light out but keeps draughts out. The opening has a domed lid attached to the carrying handle. This lid is moved by a simple sideways action. The handle allows the lamp to be carried, and a hook on the handle allows the lamp to be hung from the ceiling, or on a light hook or the branch of a tree. The linen is only completely unfolded when the lamp is suspended by its hook or handle, as the weight of the lower copper bowl keeps it hanging steady.

This lantern is the same design as the lamps used by Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War, although illustrations of the 'lady with the lamp' often show a different lamp.

Copper Lamp - Turkey
Height:40cm
Copper Lamp - Turkey
Height:40cm
Copper Lamp - Turkey
This lantern is made out of two copper bowls. White linen is suspended between the bowls. Thin metal wires reinforce the linen so that it folds and unfolds, like an accordion.

The lower copper bowl forms a tray to hold a candle and the top bowl has an opening. When the two bowls are together with the linen folds, a candle can be placed in the holder in the bottom bowl. The candle is lit, and the linen, folded open, separates the two copper bowls. The linen surrounds the lit candle, protecting it from draughts and allowing light to shine through the mesh.

The top bowl has a pierced pattern, which allows light out but keeps draughts out. The opening has a domed lid attached to the carrying handle. This lid is moved by a simple sideways action. The handle allows the lamp to be carried, and a hook on the handle allows the lamp to be hung from the ceiling, or on a light hook or the branch of a tree. The linen is only completely unfolded when the lamp is suspended by its hook or handle, as the weight of the lower copper bowl keeps it hanging steady.

This lantern is the same design as the lamps used by Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War, although illustrations of the 'lady with the lamp' often show a different lamp.