A Light in the Darkness at National Coal Mining Museum for England

Following the government’s announcement that all museums must close from 5 November 2020, the National Coal Mining Museum will now be closed reopening Thursday 3 December 2020, pending further updates.

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Prior to the invention of the flame safety lamp miners lived in fear of the presence of gasses, undetectable to the human senses but highly flammable and in some cases explosive when they came in contact with their candles- which they needed for light. The flame-safety lamp was revolutionary in underground lighting as it not only provided illumination but also helped miners detect explosive gasses in the environment before they became problematic.

Work your way through a series of experiments and audio-visual displays to understand the problems that scientists like Sir Humphry Davy, George Stephenson and Dr William Reid Clanny addressed to create the basic structure for the lamp, which went on to be used as a template across the world for mining lamps.

Learn the story of the lamp and see how the lamp has evolved over time’ Admire some of the museums unique collection of Flame Safety Lamps and hear the stories of people who have made, used and collected the lamp.

The museum has explored and interpreted the life of Sir Humphry Davy, who is widely credited with the invention of the Flame Safety Lamp, in the context of ‘History Makers- People Who Shaped Our World’ thanks to a £81.987 grant from AIM Biffa Award.

The History Makers scheme funds museums to create new exhibitions that will inspire the public through the lives and achievements of extraordinary, historical figures. The scheme is managed by the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) and Biffa Award, a multi million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to communities and environmental projects across the UK as part of the Landfill Communities Fund.