LUXFER PRISMS

That is a perfect example of “Luxfer Prisms” coal hole, after all Luxfer was mostly responsible for pavement lights, but this example gives you 2 in 1!!!

Situated at 16 Hill Street – London the company started in October 1896 with the intention to make sunlight come into dark rooms reducing the need for artificial lighting.

“Luxfer” from the Latin words lux (light) and ferre (to carry).

Found @ East End.

Christ Church School

In 1995, to celebrate the area’s history and cultural diversity, 25 cast iron roundels, with 20 different patterns, were set into pavements around Spitalfields. Each roundel, looks about the same size as the Victorian ‘coal-hole’ cover. It carried an image telling a story. The artist, Keith Bowler, who has lived in Spitalfields for many years, designed them and had them cast locally.

This one I found at Brick Lane just at the pavement of Christ Church School. You can see two children, dressed in 18th century costume, shown as pictures in a book and surrounded by eight pencils.

My new task is to find all of them after all they are not coal hole, but the roundels are worthy to look for.

Angel Alley

This plaque marks and points to the entrance to Angel Alley where the Freedom Press and bookshop are located, the world’s largest anarchist publisher. The Alley also has a large mural of famous anarchists.

The Alley is also very famous during the times of Jack the Ripper when it was used for girls to have some “privacy” during their working hours. Extensively used by prostitutes and their clients for centuries is also known as the place were Martha Turner (one of Jack the Ripper’s victims) used to hang out with a friend known as Pearly Poll.

It isn’t a coal hole but reminds me of one and I do think it should be part of my collection and you all should enjoy as well.

Treasure

I love coaholes. Off course I do, otherwise I wouldn’t ever have started this blog in first place. But how much other people love their coalhole?
It is important to protect things you love and this house at Bedford Place – Holborn, does love their coalhole.

A. C. Woodrow & Co

1954 might seem a little late in the day for coalhole plates, but  A. C. Woodrow & Co were still offering them for sale through publications such as Roads and Road Construction. In fact A.C. Woodrow specialised in cast iron castings throughout their history and are one of the most commonly seen names on manhole covers and other street ironware. They seem to have started off in Holborn, London but then moved out to Kent where they were still going strong at least into the 70s, and even now, for all I know. One interesting snippet caught my eye from the Municipal and Public Services Journal of1970

This golf trophy – imaginatively combining the scale model of a manhole cover surmounting three silver replicas of the Minoan axe – has been presented to the staff of Milton Keynes Development Corporation by A. C. Woodrow and Company. The Woodrow trophy will be presented annually…[at] the Tower Club…

Sadly I couldn’t find a picture of this ‘imaginative’ trophy. I wonder if it’s still being contested to this day?

Knock Knock

Knock-Knock.

Who’s there?

Coal.

Coal who?

Coal me if you hear anyone coming!!!!

I really don’t have a reason to torture people, but knock knock jokes are my favorite. After heard this one during Xmas I had to put it up. And the photo I took at Maunsel Street SW1, it does the justice.

Found @ Maunsel Street SW1 – The style is the same one used by DUREY, so I figure is the same!!!

IMPROVED PATENT

Alfred Solomons

I’ve got some pictures of coal hole covers by Alfred Solomons, of 195 & 197 Caledonian Road N1.

The plain edges are wider and there is nothing written across the central part, but apart from that, the patterns are exactly the same. I heard that there are several along Doughty Road and around in Bloomsbury as well.

Found @ Lamb’s Conduit St.

Tuesday 19 February 1884

From the The Horsham Times

ALL NIGHT IN A COAL HOLE— The Late. Rev. Dr Wrightman, of Kirkmahoe, one night, sitting later than usual sunk in the profoundities of a great folio tome, imagined he heard a sound in the kitchen inconsis tent with the quietude and security of the manse, so taking his candle, he pro ceeded to investigate the cause. His foot being heard in the lobby, the house keeper began with all earnestness to, cover the fire, as if preparing for bed. “Ye’re late up to-night Mary.” I’a. jnit rakin’ the fire, sir; and gaun ts bed.” That’s right, Mary; I like ti-meoes hours. On his way back to the study he passed the coal closet, and turning the key, took it with him. Next morning, atan early hour, there was a: rap at his bedroom door, and a request for the key to light the fire. “Ye’re too soon ‘up, Mary ; go back to your bed yet.” Half an hour later there was another knock and a similar re quest, in order to prepare the break fast. I don’t want breakfast so soon,. Mary; go back to your bed.” Another half hour, and another knock, with entreaty for the key, as it was washing day. This was enough. He rose, and handed out the key, saying-” Go and let the man out !” Mary’s sweetheart had, as the minister shrewdly suspected, been imprisoned all night in the coal closet, where, Pyramus and Thisbe like,. they had breathed their love to each. other through the keyhole.

Such a lovely “coalmantic” story!!!!

Found at: Alexander Sq – South Kensignton.

The Tower

While walking around Holborn I came across this “Jail looking” coal hole. It made me remember of the symbol they used for The Tower of London. This sort of a of medieval gate.

Found @ Red Lion.