Miner's Teapot Lamp- Nova Scotia, Canada
Institution: Nova Scotia’s Museum of Industry
Province: Nova Scotia
Object: Lighting
Era: 19th Century
Canada’s industrial revolution began with a series of coal mining towns in Nova Scotia. The first large scale mine opened at Cape Breton in 1720 and grew to include most of Pictou County under the General Mining Association. By the mid 19th century, Nova Scotia was one of the largest producers of bituminous coal in North America.
New technology created deeper mine shafts, which meant lower visibility for workers. Candles were initially used but the mix of methane and oxygen turned air into a combustible substance known as “fire damp”. Over the years, gas explosions took the lives of over 2000 miners in Pictou County alone.
The lighting problem would ultimately be resolved with the advent of safety lamps, but not before the use of oil lamps. The device went by many names, but all are recognizable by their teapot shape. The pot held the oil and the spout covered the wick (seen above). Once ignited, miners attached the pot to the front of the “cap” and proceeded to work with an open flame in front of their face. Despite the risk, teapot lamps were used well into the 20th century.
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