Gaslight antiques upgrade#

He said: “Cecil Court has a row of charming Victorian lamps. Speaking about the topic on the Ladies Who London podcast (hosted by Blue Badge tourist guides Alex and Emily) Bryars and Honey raised the issue and Callow added his support. They have support from celebrities including actor Simon Callow as well as fellow antiques dealers and historians. “We have advised the council that in our view, Listed Building Consent would be required to replace gas lights that are listed, and we are expecting further discussion in the coming months.”Īs part of the campaign Honey created social media accounts under the name The London Gasketeers and is in the process of creating a website. We understand the council is seeking a sympathetic solution, mindful of the historic character of Westminster and its requirements to provide street lighting. That’s why we are working with organisations like Historic England.”Ī Historic England spokesperson said: “Historic England has engaged with Westminster Council regarding the replacement of historic gas lighting with gas-effect LED lighting. “It is right to take the time now to ensure that where new electric lights go in, they are as faithful to the original as possible. “While these lamps are beautiful and atmospheric, 200-year-old fittings are increasingly difficult to maintain as spare parts are difficult to come by. They are part of our heritage and why people love visiting and living here. No more working gas lamps will be removed while this consultation - expected to take until the end of this year - has been completed”.Ĭllr Rachael Robathan, leader of Westminster City Council, said: “We all recognise the value these historic gas lamps bring to our city.

Gaslight antiques upgrade#

However, those against the plans believe the original lamps should be kept to preserve the aesthetics of historic London.įollowing the campaign the council announced last week (January 26) that the plan to upgrade the lights has been “paused while the council talks to residents and local groups to ensure proposed electric replacements reflect the city’s heritage. It said in the longer term it will “look at how we can electrify listed structures”. Westminster Council announced last year that from 2022 it will “be installing like-for-like lanterns on non-listed lamp columns and gas effect LEDs that closely mirror the appearance of the original gas lights”. Antiquarian book dealer Tim Bryars of Bryars & Bryars in Cecil Court and Luke Honey, a dealer who previously worked in auction houses including Phillips, Bloomsbury Auctions and Bonhams, have begun raising awareness about the plans by the council and have support from other antiques dealers and historians.