Light’em Up: Reconstructing an Early Nineteenth-Century Gas Table
Abstract
In this research project, I will historically reconstruct a gas table circa 1816. The gas table premiered at theLyceum Theatrein 1804, one of the few theaters of the time that is still in operation.The fact that this theatre is still standing is noteworthy sincegas lighting destroyedmany theaters through either fire or deadly gas leaks. As part of my presentation I will present, through videodocumentation and pictures, key points of the build process.I will thenmove the presentation outdoors, for safety reasons,in order todemonstratetheworking model of this lighting systemto further show how this piece of technology became the precursor to the modern light board and helped push the theatrical world towards electricity. For this model, I have taken steps in the design to help ensure the safety ofmyself and othersaround me.One of these important steps is the decision I made to usemetallic componentsrather thanrubber, as the gas will decompose the rubber causing potential leaks, which will ultimately compromise safety.Through the actualconstruction ofan early nineteenth century gas table,I have learned so muchmoreabout theatrical lighting through the many avenueson whichmyresearch has taken me.
Session Name:
Danger! We're Gettin Medieval: Gas Lighting, Existentialism and Transhumanism
Start Date
10-4-2015 1:15 PM
End Date
10-4-2015 2:15 PM
Location
HSB 202
Light’em Up: Reconstructing an Early Nineteenth-Century Gas Table
HSB 202
In this research project, I will historically reconstruct a gas table circa 1816. The gas table premiered at theLyceum Theatrein 1804, one of the few theaters of the time that is still in operation.The fact that this theatre is still standing is noteworthy sincegas lighting destroyedmany theaters through either fire or deadly gas leaks. As part of my presentation I will present, through videodocumentation and pictures, key points of the build process.I will thenmove the presentation outdoors, for safety reasons,in order todemonstratetheworking model of this lighting systemto further show how this piece of technology became the precursor to the modern light board and helped push the theatrical world towards electricity. For this model, I have taken steps in the design to help ensure the safety ofmyself and othersaround me.One of these important steps is the decision I made to usemetallic componentsrather thanrubber, as the gas will decompose the rubber causing potential leaks, which will ultimately compromise safety.Through the actualconstruction ofan early nineteenth century gas table,I have learned so muchmoreabout theatrical lighting through the many avenueson whichmyresearch has taken me.