Lighting has played a crucial role in human civilization since ancient times, shaping our environments, enhancing safety and influencing cultural practices. From the earliest use of fire to the development of sophisticated lighting controls, the history of lighting reflects humanity’s ingenuity and quest for illumination. Part I of this column explores the evolution of lighting and controls from ancient civilizations to the modern era, tracing the innovations, techniques and cultural significance of light throughout history.
Human civilization is illuminated by the dawn of artificial lighting. From the primal use of fire to the invention of oil lamps, each advancement in lighting technology has had profound impacts on the way we live. Early humans discovered that fire could provide not only warmth and a means to cook food but also a way to pierce the darkness. This illumination extended the day’s productive hours, allowing activities to continue after sunset. More than just a practical tool, the control of fire also supplied a new level of safety and comfort during the night, warding off predators and providing a focal point for social gatherings.
As civilizations developed, so did their methods of lighting. The oil lamp is one such significant advancement. Ancient civilizations such as the Mesopotamians, Egyptians and Greeks crafted these lamps from materials including clay, bronze and terracotta. Unlike an uncontrolled fire, oil lamps featured simple wicks soaked in a fuel source, often olive oil, which provided a steady and controlled source of light. ¹
The portability of oil lamps represented a major leap forward in lighting technology. Whereas fires were stationary and required constant tending, oil lamps could be carried from room to room, delivering lights was needed. This flexibility greatly increased the utility of artificial light, making it an integral part of daily life. The control of fire and invention of oil lamps were pivotal moments in the history of artificial lighting, as these technologies extended the boundaries of human activity. They also came to hold a significant place in cultural and religious practices across many societies. ²
The evolution of artificial lighting continued through the era of classical antiquity with the widespread use of candles and torches. These sources of light were not only practical but also held significant cultural and religious importance.
The use of candles as a source of light dates back to ancient civilizations including China and Italy. Early candles were made from tallow or bees wax and molded into sticks that could be easily carried and controlled. The wick of the candle, often made from a twisted strand of cotton, was lit to provide illumination. Candles offered a more portable and versatile source of light compared to their predecessors. They became common in medieval Europe, illuminating homes, guiding travelers at night and serving as vital tools in religious observances.
Torches, on the other hand, provided a bright, but less controlled, source of light and were commonly used in ancient ceremonies, processions and religious rituals. Torches were made from readily available materials like wood, resin and animal fat, which were bound together and set alight, creating a bright and long-lasting flame. Despite their lack of control compared to candles, torches were valued for their brightness and dramatic flair. They were particularly useful in large-scale outdoor events and were a common feature in many ceremonies. ³
The Middle Ages, a period of great change and development, saw significant advancements in the field of artificial lighting, such as improvements in candle-making techniques and the debut of early lighting controls. During the Middle Ages, the introduction of molds made it possible to produce candles in a variety of shapes and sizes. This not only made candles more aesthetically pleasing but also allowed for more consistent burning.
This period also included the introduction of new materials in candle-making; stearin and paraffin wax, which burned cleaner and longer, began to replace traditional tallow, making candles a more efficient source of light. As a result, candles became an even more integral part of life, providing illumination for homes, churches and public spaces. The introduction of basic lighting controls also occurred during the Middle Ages. For example, Medieval castles and monasteries employed methods such as shutters and curtains to regulate daylight and candlelight indoors. These early forms of lighting controls allowed for the adjustment of light levels within a room, providing comfort and aiding in the conservation of candles. While these methods were simple, they laid the groundwork for the sophisticated lighting control systems we use today.
The Renaissance and Enlightenment periods were times of great innovation and discovery. Among these advancements was the emergence of gas lighting, a technology that revolutionized artificial lighting and transformed urban landscapes with the introduction of streetlamps. The invention of gas lighting is credited to William Murdoch in the 1790s. Murdoch used coal gas to fuel both streetlamps and indoor fixtures, providing a reliable and consistent source of light. Despite its benefits, this early form of lighting provided limited illumination and was often accompanied by significant safety hazards, including the risk of gas leaks and explosions. ⁴
With the advent of gas lighting, streetlamps became widespread in urban centers. These lamps improved visibility and safety at night, allowing for extended commercial activity and social events after sunset. Cities like London and Paris embraced gas lighting, transforming their nighttime landscapes; streets that were once dark and dangerous became bright and inviting.
The Industrial Revolution, a period of rapid growth and innovation, brought the advent of electric lighting and the development of early lighting controls that marked a turning point in the history of illumination. The 19th century saw the arrival of electric lighting, a development that revolutionized the way people illuminated their surroundings. Pioneered by inventors such as Humphry Davy, Joseph Swan and Thomas Edison, electric lighting offered a brighter and more reliable alternative to gas and candles. ²
The incandescent bulb, one of the most notable inventions of this era, transformed indoor illumination. These groundbreaking bulbs produced light by passing an electric current through a thin filament, causing it to glow brightly, thus, beginning widespread use of electric light and forever changing the way people lived and worked.
As electric lighting became more prevalent, the need for effective lighting controls emerged—sparking innovations such as dimmer switches, timers and occupancy sensors. Dimmer switches allowed users to adjust the brightness of their lights, providing greater control over the ambiance of a room. Timers could be set to turn lights On or Off at specific times, adding convenience and aiding in energy conservation. Occupancy sensors detected the presence of people in a room, automatically turning lights On when needed and Off when the room was empty. ⁵
These early controls represented a significant advancement in lighting technology—and as technology advanced, so did the sophistication of these lighting control mechanisms.
The history of lighting will continue in LD+A, October 2024 with “A Journey Through History Part II: The 20th Century and Beyond.”
The Author
Muhammad Annum Khan is a lighting control specialist and project manager and team lead at Omnilumen Technical Products in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. His expertise extends to programming, troubleshooting and designing lighting control systems to create efficient lighting solutions.
References:
- Mary Bellis, “The History of Lighting and Lamps,” ThoughtCo., July, 2, 2019. Available: https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-lighting-and-lamps-1992089
- Matluxe, “From Fire to LEDs: Brief History of Lighting Technology.” Available: https://matluxe.com/en-ca/blogs/learn/from-fire-to-leds-brief-history-of-lighting-technology
- Susan D. Turner, “The History of Lighting,” Traditional Building, May 13, 2020. Available: https://www.traditionalbuilding. com/product-report/history-lighting
- Britannica. “William Murdock.” Available: www.britannica.com/biography/William-Murdock-Scottish-inventor
- Elation, “Lighting Control: A Brief History.” Available: https://www.elationlighting.com/lighting-control-a-brief-history