Jewel
Harvey and Peake
Category
Stage properties
Date
c. 1880 - 1900
Materials
Glass, Metal
Measurements
17 x 19 cm
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Cragside, Northumberland
NT 1231065
Caption
This jewellery would literally have dazzled those who saw it. Inside each coloured glass jewel is a miniature four-volt bulb, powered by a battery hidden in the wearer’s pocket or hair. When lit, the tiny lamps create the appearance of sparkling diamonds and rubies. Electric jewellery was developed by electrical genius Gustave Trouvé (1839–1902) in the 1870s and was used in spectacular theatre productions. Today, wearable technology is common but in the 19th century ‘decorative electricity’ was a novelty. It was not without its dangers, because the heavy batteries could leak or overheat. Nonetheless, various hair adornments, scarf pins, tiaras and walking-stick jewels were developed. Power from the small battery usually lasted about 30 minutes and it was claimed that the larger jewels even gave enough light to read by. The electric jewels at Cragside were made in London and are thought to have belonged to the family of engineer and inventor William, 1st Lord Armstrong (1810–1900). The collection also includes a walking stick with a battery-powered light on its handle (NT 1232293).
Summary
Electric jewels, these miniature electric lamps were powered by battery and used to adorn dancers in theatre productions. By Harvey L. Peak late W.Ladd, 6 Charing Cross Road, London, WC. Displayed on a small velvet cushion.
Provenance
Armstrong collection. Transferred by the Treasury to The National Trust in 1977 via the National Land Fund, aided by 3rd Baron Armstrong of Bamburgh and Cragside (1919 - 1987).
Makers and roles
Harvey and Peake, maker