William Sugg & Co. Ltd was founded in 1837 and, over the years, has become established as a leader in the field of gas lighting and heating.  Here we look at the story behind the iconic and much loved ‘shadowless’ lantern lamp designs of the Regent, Rochester and Littleton. Lighting the way through history At…

“Flamboyant” flambeaux lighting has been a mainstay in the world of outdoor lighting for centuries.  Here we look at where flambeaux lighting originated, how it is made, and how and where this style of lighting is used today. Flambeaux torches were commonly used to illuminate night processions and celebrations. With flickering flames, flambeaux lighting often…

For a restaurant, lighting is more than just an aesthetic—it’s what makes the space come alive.  Did you know, lighting will affect our emotions and influence behaviour?  This means that restaurant lighting plays a significant part in the overall dining experience both positive, or negative. Designing a restaurant lighting scheme A well-designed lighting scheme can…

Back lamps are a classic way to add character and charm to paths, entrances, and other spaces.  They were a popular form of lighting in Victorian times. With their nostalgic charm and functional design, the appeal of traditional back lamps remains today. What are back lamps? A back lamp can be described as a wall-mounted…

At William Sugg & Co. Ltd, we understand the significance of historic buildings and the need to safeguard their heritage and historical legacy. Lighting historic buildings is a specialist interest of William Sugg & Co, we believe in the vital role sustainble lighting plays in enhancing the beauty of these architectural treasures.  Here we look…

With a reputation for excellence in quality, detailing and handcrafting, William Sugg’s team of artisans are considered as the leading authority on heritage lanterns and lighting.  Here we look at some of the traditional handcrafting techniques used by William Sugg centuries ago, and still today. Traditional craftsmanship and timeless elegance In the world of lighting,…

The custom made heritage lanterns at Bluebell Railway serve as a prime example of William Sugg’s expertise as heritage lighting specialists, particularly in railways which are often considered sites of cultural significance.  This case study illustrates our team’s ability to design and manufacture an exceptional lighting solution that not only seamlessly blends with the heritage…

In addition to making exquisite heritage lanterns and bespoke lighting, William Sugg also has a wide variety of lighting columns that complement our lanterns perfectly.  Here we go through some top tips about how to find a lighting column supplier and have outlined some of our most popular columns. What are lighting columns? Lighting columns…

Job Description: Electrical Technician William Sugg & Co. Ltd’s legacy of craftsmanship and exquisite lighting design is only made possible by the exceptional talent of our dedicated team. We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Electrical Technician to join our team, contributing to the creation of world-class lighting solutions.  As an Electrical Technician you will…

Coastal areas, including seaside towns and marinas, rely on external lighting and lanterns to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.  However, these unique environments present distinct challenges and can be harsh on outdoor fixtures. Here we explore marine grade finishes for coastal lighting, explaining what they are and how they can be used to create functional…

Heritage lanterns showcase exquisite craftsmanship and bring a touch of nostalgia to outdoor spaces.  The parts of a lantern each help to make up the intricate details, including finials, decorative brackets, and ornate metalwork, contribute to their timeless charm making them cherished pieces in heritage-inspired settings.  Here we look at the most common parts of…

A commitment to developing young talent   In a recent event (the “B-tech Apprenticeship Challenge”) at St Peter’s Catholic School, William Sugg & Co Ltd. showcased its dedication to nurturing and fostering the next generation of skilled craftspeople and young talent.  About the challenge Our Managing Director, Lucy Bubb, had the honour of serving as…

Traditional wall lights are becoming an increasingly popular way to illuminate specific spaces and areas inside and outside of homes.  With so many different variations of lighting now available, sometimes it can be difficult to choose the best type of lighting for your space.  Don’t worry though, we are here to help!  Here we discuss…

Often when walking or driving the streets at night, have you thoughts, what is the height of street lights, or I wonder how tall these lamp posts are? This answer is not straight-forward as the height of street lights can vary, particularly from the public sector and private sector. The height of street lights differs…

The Windsor lantern is a heritage lantern design that is recognised and loved across the world, and especially in the UK.  Here at William Sugg, we have been manufacturing the Windsor Lantern for over 125 years!  Here we look at its history, how the design came about and how it has developed over the years….

With energy prices at an all-time high, one thing on everybody’s mind is how people can reduce the cost of their energy bill. One way to reduce this cost is to switch to more sustainable lighting solutions in both homes and in the workplace. Not only will this help save money but this also allows…

William Sugg are proud to be a part of the history of so many iconic monuments around the world. From Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to Hong Kong’s Duddell Street Steps and Bomber Command Memorial, we are so pleased to have worked with such a wide range of clients to help light up some of…

Wandsworth County Council chose William Sugg & Co. Ltd to restore the Grade II listed gas lamps in Tooting Broadway.  The historic gas lamps required extensive renovation to restore them to their original historic splendour.  Read the full case study here… The customer Wandsworth County Council recognised the importance of these lamps as an historic…

Gas lights vs electric lighting When deciding how to light up your home, there can be a lot to think about.  Working out whether you want to install gas or electric lighting will depend on many factors.  While gas and electric lighting can be very different, they each have their own benefits. There are some…

An IP rating is an important factor to consider when choosing a light fitting for outdoor (or indoor) use. What is an IP rating? An IP rating indicates how well the product will be protected against the elements and can help to ensure that the light fitting will continue to function properly and last for…

What is an RAL finish? ​​A RAL finish is a type of paint coating that is commonly used on a variety of products, including external lighting fixtures such as lanterns and lamp posts. RAL finishes provide a durable and long-lasting coating that can help to protect the underlying material and enhance the overall appearance of…

There are thousands of talented and creative lighting designers based across the globe, with many of these here in the UK. Here we celebrate British lighting and it’s designers: from heritage lighting to more modern contemporary lighting. Why is traditional British lighting still just as popular as modern lighting design? There are innumerable reasons why…

Exceptional craftsmanship of William Sugg and other Great British Brands British heritage brands have a long history and tradition of craftsmanship and quality. Having been in business for a long time, a reputation is built for producing high-quality products that are made to last. This reputation can be put down to the skill and expertise…

Retrofitting lighting is one way to improve lighting systems in your home, town or city. The definition of retrofit lighting is the process of upgrading existing lighting, usually by replacing the light bulb, to improve its efficiency and performance. There are many different light source options to choose from when retrofitting your lighting, however the…

To honour the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, bespoke bronze sculptures and lanterns were commissioned by the Houses of Parliament and entirely funded by personal donations. Learn how artist Tim Crawley, with the help of William Sugg & Co. Ltd and Morris Singer Foundry, achieved practicality and beauty in this stunning tribute that celebrates all four countries…

We are extremely pleased to reveal our involvement in a pair of sculptures that were commissioned by the Houses of Parliament as a gift for H.M. Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee earlier in 2022.  They were unveiled on December 14th 2022 by H .M King Charles III in New Palace Yard.  The…

Copper lanterns are striking to look at and there has been a real copper revival in recent years. Copper has been around for centuries and is popular due to its ability to withstand the elements and age beautifully over time.  Because copper is such a versatile material, there are many different finishes available, each with…

William Sugg and Co Ltd continues to set the highest standards in the manufacture, reproduction, refurbishment and refit of heritage lighting projects around the world. The company has worked on hundreds of heritage lighting projects since 1837, and our team of lighting experts use techniques that have been handed down through the generations. Our projects…

If you are looking to install any new lighting in a town, city, home or public space, finding expert lighting columns suppliers is not always straightforward. There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing a company to ensure you install the right product for your needs (and that of rest of the community)….

What is decorative street lighting and why is it used? Street lighting can be a feature of our towns and cities that we as the general public do not usually notice. However, in fact, street lighting is an essential part of our everyday life. Street lighting is described as a raised source of light on…

Commercial planters are an important feature in any built-up area. At William Sugg and Co Ltd. we provide a range of traditional commercial planters for any setting to help add a touch of nature to urban spaces. We discuss what they look like, their benefits and some of the best ways to use them in…

Bollards are used widely around the world for a variety of applications. William Sugg and Co. Ltd offer several different heritage bollards which can be applied to a range of settings covering many uses. We discuss what bollards are and how to use them in streets and parks. Identifying bollards for streets A bollard is…

When it comes to designing bespoke lighting, our first thought is always: ‘what do you want?’. That might sound obvious, but before we can start designing a bespoke light, we need to know the answers to some important questions. These include whether you would like an electric or gas light fitting and what style you…

Heritage lighting is a unique form of lighting that was first used in the Victorian era. Traditionally, this type of lighting was made from materials such as brass or copper and it was often used in public buildings like parks, museums and churches. Today, heritage lighting is still very popular for many different reasons. Why…

Electrical testing is an important part of the lighting design process. It helps to ensure that your light fitting is safe, and it can also identify any issues with electrical circuits before you install a lighting fixture. If this sounds complicated, don’t worry: we’re here to make sure you understand everything there is to know…

The Holloway lighting column is a favourite of ours at William Sugg and Co Ltd. When the Royal Holloway University was built in 1879. William Sugg and Co Ltd were asked to create and install the columns in and around the University. This Holloway lighting column is the original design of these columns. The column…

Reproduction Victorian lighting pairs the past with the present to help retain the traditional look of a period property. This lighting is manufactured using the exact Victorian lighting designs to ‘reproduce’ the same lights that were used during the Victorian era. The main difference with these lights is that they use modern technology that is…

Job vacancy: Skilled/semi-skilled metal worker Due to a significant order book, we have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, skilled (or semi-skilled) metal worker to join our friendly team of experts. Competitive salary (dependent on experience) with flexible hours. Immediate start available.  Horsham, West Sussex. The business Established in 1837, we are very proud to be the UK’s oldest lighting…

Copper lighting is a timeless addition to any home. Becoming increasingly popular for interior designers in recent years, copper is a great element to add a touch of history to your space. With copper being one of the oldest metals used by humans today, it is not only used for lighting but for all sorts…

From open flame burners to high performance gas mantles, there are a variety of modern gas lights and lamp designs that make them a great addition to homes, towns and cities in the 21st century. We discuss the history behind gas lighting in homes and some of the reasons how modern gas lamps have adapted…

Gas lights were the first type of ‘controllable’ lights that were introduced across the world in the late 19th century after previously being restricted to candle and firelight. In more recent years, most of our lights are electric, but many gas lights are still in use today. We discuss what exactly gas lights are, why…

What is a coppersmith? A coppersmith is someone who creates high end, quality, detailed copper work and often work with other similar soft metals too.  In the past, copper was often combined with other harder metals (such as tin) to create bronze which was used for decorative items as well as weaponry and tools. When…

History of heritage street lighting columns The first public street lighting columns were introduced in 1807 by Frederick Albert Winsor in Pall Mall, London. All lighting columns in the streets were gas lit until electricity was introduced in the late 19th century. The gas light in the street lighting columns only illuminated a few feet…

How to choose appropriate domestic lamp posts If you are looking to illuminate the outdoor space surrounding your home or driveway, lamp posts are a great way to add a polished look to your landscape. Not only are domestic lamp posts both decorative and functional, but they also are extremely versatile and can come in…

The first gas street lights The first gas street lights used to brighten up towns and cities across the world were lit by one single upright flame. This larger flame produced far more light than the previous oil lamps and was almost maintenance free. As the demand for more light increased, extra burners were added…

Understanding the characteristics of LED. LED lights are the most energy-efficient and rapidly developed lighting technology available today. Understanding LED characteristics can help you in deciding if they are right for your home, project or outdoor space. LED stands for light emitting diode and can be used for a variety of purposes. This includes traffic…

While there are many forms of lighting available today, LED’s is considered by many to be the most energy efficient and use LED lights as the environmentally friendly option when it comes to lighting. As heritage experts, we are very fond of gas lighting and the role it has played, and continues to play, in…

When it comes to understanding LED lights, it can seem overwhelming to choose and work out whether they will work for your design project. We’ve put together this handy understanding LED lights guide to make it easier for you to make the decision. LED stands for light emitting diode and they can be incorporated in…

What is the difference between LED and a traditional light? Regular bulbs produce light by creating heat, whereas LED bulbs create light from the release of energy between two conductive materials. So how do LED lights work? Instead of emitting light from a vacuum, like an incandescent bulb, LED lights work by using solid-state lighting…

How to choose the best bespoke street lighting There are many elements to choosing the best bespoke street lighting, which can vary depending on the needs of the project. Before you choose your bespoke street lighting you should first think about where it will be placed. For example, what type of road or path are…

The William Sugg and Co Ltd. team of heritage lighting experts have been producing traditional lamps since our foundation in 1837. Since then, some of our proudest interior and exterior lighting projects have been producing lamps that have been placed around our capital city. If you take a walk around London, you would have probably…

Around the house, outside, in the street, in commercial areas, every day you see LED lighting applications and probably don’t even notice. They have become a part of our every day life, including ours at William Sugg & Co. Heritage lighting and LED applications have come to live hand in hand as a part of…

Discover the Elder Park Gates refurbishment project, which involved William Sugg, heritage lighting specialists, in collaboration with the Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative and Glasgow Building Preservation Trust. This project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, and Glasgow City Council, showcases the importance of preserving historic landmarks. The customer This important…

The team at William Sugg & Co. Ltd. are proud to be part of several urban regeneration projects across the UK using our specialism in lighting & street furniture alongside our lighting design expertise. Urban regeneration projects Urban regeneration projects are programs that aim to revitalize urban spaces through land development used to help address…

William Sugg and Co Ltd dates back to 1837.  As a company we have nearly 200 years of heritage lighting experience. We are known to be the oldest lighting company in the UK and are proud to be seen as a world leader and expert in heritage street lamps, home lighting and public domain lighting….

Including a garden focal point can really make your outdoor space come alive. A garden focal point is an area designed to immediately draw attention to a specific space, it could be anything from a pond or a statue, to a seating area, or a plant. Lighting can also be used as a focal point…

When creating a landscape, the way you use lighting can make or break the finished look and desired atmosphere. Using lighting in the right way to illuminate focal points such as sculptures or statues can really contribute to the finished appearance. Not only this, but it is important to light up these features; after all…

What is city lighting? City lighting can be defined as any type of lighting that helps to illuminate our cities. From simple streetlights and illuminated bollards to more creative lights to draw attention to an architectural feature, city lights are an essential part of society and city life. When deciding on how to light up…

Lighting up the front of your house is just as important as lighting the rooms indoors. Outdoor lighting should have the aim of directing your visitors to your front door, highlighting particular outdoor and architectural features as well as providing security at nighttime. Having the correct lighting to illuminate your space can help to give…

Lighting a space is one of the most important factors to consider when going through the architectural design process. Skill, knowledge and expertise is needed in order to create the correct light for any properties space, large or small. At William Sugg & Co. Ltd. we offer specialist architectural lighting knowledge to help transform any…

Our guide to public park lighting From columns to illuminated bollards, public park lighting can come in any form and plays a vital role in allowing people to enjoy public parks, big or small. With public parks being an essential part of society where people come to gather, socialise or exercise, it is extremely important…

William Sugg & Co. Ltd. are one of the only traditional lighting companies in the UK. We are experts in the manufacture, reproduction and refurbishment of traditional lights to suit all projects and all locations across the globe. Founded in 1837 by Mr William Sugg himself, we are proud to be the oldest and only…

What is town lighting? “Town lighting” is the phrase that is used when a variety of lights and lighting techniques are combined to illuminate our towns and cities. Lighting is a fundamental part of our lives and is something all of us use on a daily basis but that often goes unnoticed! In town centres…

What are illuminated bollards and what are they used for? Road bollards are short and sturdy vertical posts that are typically between 1 and 2 metres tall and are usually placed between 10 and 12 metres apart. They are traditionally used to mark the way for members of the public or to provide structure to…

Creating that traditional and authentic feel in any space can sometimes be a challenge, however you’re bound to create your desired old-fashioned look with our stunning gas light globes. Pairing the past together with the present, our selection of gas globe lamps are made with only the highest quality materials. Here, we will take you…

Choosing the right lighting for your home is one of the most important aspects to creating your desired atmosphere – a very personal decision for every home owner. When it comes to traditional lighting, you need to ensure you are putting it in the right place to add that extra character and charm to your…

We are so pleased to have added to our collection of street furniture bollards. We now have four different types of street bollards for you to choose from, to help keep that traditional feel in our towns and cities.  Bollards became popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s as a part of Victorian Street…

A torchiere is a tall, narrow floor lamp which is topped with an inverted shade directing the light upwards towards the ceiling. The name ‘torchiere’ is derived from the French word for ‘torch’ and directly translates to ‘candelabrum’. Torchiere lamps can come in several different designs from more modern and contemporary to the classic heritage…

Street lighting is important in many different ways. Its main purpose is to light up the streets for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists at night time and to make spaces easier to see and improve safety after dark. However, it also has other benefits including helping to prevent crime and disorder. When it comes to heritage…

Traditional outdoor wall lights can really transform any space so it’s always important to choose the correct materials and colour to suit your space. If you’re looking for a new but traditional way to light up your outdoor space, the team at William Sugg & Co can help you create the garden you have always…

At William Sugg, we have been experts in heritage lighting since 1837, meaning many of the old street lights seen around our towns and cities today were made by our forefathers. The ever-increasing need for the conservation and restoration of towns, cities and parks means there is a rise in demand for restoring old, outdated…

As the summer progresses, we’re taking some time to reflect on past projects and at this time of year, a beautiful garden couldn’t be more appropriate one to remember! So we’re taking it back to when we assisted 2016 Chelsea Flower Show winner Andy Sturgeon with a bespoke flambeau feature for his design. Bespoke flambeau…

Want to get ‘the look’ in your home but do not know where to begin when looking at period lighting? At William Sugg, the team are experts in using historical designs with modern lighting technologies to reflect the certain era and style you are looking for. Whether you have an old-fashioned home and are looking…

Looking for the best vintage outdoor lighting to create that classic look in your outdoor space? Our team of lighting experts at William Sugg & Co. Ltd. can help you to choose the correct lights to help you create that vintage look. Here are some of our tips to consider when choosing your vintage outdoor…

As experts in heritage lighting since 1837 many of the most iconic lanterns and light fittings were made by our forefathers.  Here, we look at a wonderful gas lighting restoration project in Hong Kong that the team were asked to assist with. A history of the Hong Kong gas lamps. Hong Kong was, until relatively…

William Sugg & Co. Ltd. are delighted to announce a new partnership with GHM Heritage, historical European lighting specialists. GHM Heritage are a sub-brand of the popular European brand GHM Eclatec. They7 have designed and manufactured a wide range of products from classic cast iron columns seen on the Champs-Élysées and Amsterdam’s canals, to the famous Ross…

Flambeaux lights are a striking feature in whatever setting they appear. Although they’ve been around for a while, the effect is as dramatic now as it was originally.  We take a look at the history of the flambeau light and associated lighting design, as well as the meaning of the name itself. What is Flambeaux…

Looking for victorian lighting ideas? You’re in the right place. As experts in heritage lighting, Victorian lighting styles are ingrained in our very being; we’ve been producing interior and exterior Victorian lighting since 1837.  Here we take a look at the difference between Victorian and Edwardian lighting styles and some of our top picks. How…

After the installation of street lighting in Victorian Britain, gas lighting started to become perceived as dangerous due to exaggerated cartoonist depictions shared in public media.  In a century where literacy was limited, cartoonist artwork was more digestible to those without formal education and this therefore fuelled negative opinions for many. Whilst there may have…

Having electric lighting in our homes is something we all now take for granted, we often forget that this wasn’t always the case. So when did electric lighting become common in homes in the UK? When was electric lighting first used and what came before? Our historical consultant, Christopher Sugg, takes a look at the…

In our previous blog ‘When was gas lighting invented‘, we talk about the invention of gas lighting and its huge influence on life as we now know it.  The 19th and 20th centuries were times of tremendous change in many spheres, and the gas street lighting industry was no exception.  So when did gas lighting…

Street lighting is something we all take for granted. Walking down a street that is lit by streetlights may seem a very normal thing in today’s world, but there was a time that this was not the case. It all began with gas lighting, but when was gas lighting first invented and why? As experts…

Everyone here at William Sugg & Co. Ltd was proud to be a part of creating the lighting for the Mary Poppins Movie in 2018. We created some of the best movie magic of all – Disney movie magic. Lighting up Mary Poppins for Hollywood was a highlight in our history as we love to…

Lighting shapes our lives.  It influences the way we work, the way we experience our home lives and the way we socialise with friends. We interact with this technology every day on a personal level – you only have to think of the various lighting sources that you use for the same space over the…

Great lighting design can really transform any space. When you walk into some restaurants, office courtyards or hotel gardens, you experience a positive physical and psychological reaction. You might not identify why you feel that way, but almost always this feeling comes down to the efforts put into the lighting design. What is lighting design?…

We are proud to have been presented an award for our installation of dark sky compliant lighting for the village of Hinton St George, Somerset.  We were presented with the award by the International Dark Skies Association. What is dark sky compliant lighting? ‘The right amount of light, where it is needed, when it is…

The team at William Sugg & Co Ltd have a longstanding history working with many different types of clients across the globe to produce individual and bespoke lighting solutions.  A recent project that we adored working on was situated in the charming Bergen harbour in Norway, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Bergen has given a…

Discover the captivating story of lantern restoration in the heart of Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong district. William Sugg & Co. Ltd was called upon to revive the last remaining gas lamps on Duddell Street, a beloved landmark that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Learn how skilled artisans and craftspeople worked…

London is rich with culture and history – a city with some of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. At William Sugg & Co, we are very proud to be a part of this history. We have left our mark on this city. You’ve probably have seen us around without even realising. Allow us…

The William Sugg team was proud to be involved in the Theatre Royal Drury Lane refurbishment, which aimed to conserve its heritage and ensure it is passed down to future generations.  The project involved close attention to detail, historical design and handcrafting techniques alongside modern technologies such as 3D scanning and resin moulding. Historic lighting…

William Sugg & Co Ltd, designed and manufactured a unique lantern to be placed in Bergen Harbour. Our team’s expertise in creating distinctive designs ensured a perfect fit for the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s historical significance. The customer William Sugg & Co Ltd is renowned for providing lighting solutions that serve a diverse range of…

Disney faced a daunting task remaking the classic ‘Mary Poppins’ film, beloved by audiences worldwide. ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ had to honour the original while feeling fresh for modern viewers. With William Sugg’s help, Disney aimed to recreate the original heritage lanterns’ unique look and feel, while updating them to match the new film’s creative direction….

Discover the Bomber Command Memorial, a poignant tribute to 55,573 crew members who lost their lives in WWII. Designed by architect Liam O’Connor, the project required a skilled team, including William Sugg, to create the perfect lighting for this historical site on the south side of Piccadilly. The customer Located on the south side of…