LASSCO and The Lamp Maker

Paul Clayton is the last of the original gas lantern makers.

Paul originally worked for C.H Kempton & Co. but the company ceased trading in the mid 1970's. C.H Kempton was one of London's original and best copper gas lamp manufacturers (operating since the early days of the 19th Century), but was down to only four craftsmen, having existed mainly after the Second World War on refurbishment and replacing, where needed.

Paul was not pleased about the closing down of his firm and decided to become self employed as a one man concern.

Using Victorian tools, jigs and formers (many original) Paul hand makes lanterns in pure copper for the Royal Palaces, Parks and Thoroughfares, working together with North Thames Gas Board, various conservation trusts and National Heritage. Paul regards his lamps as originals, not reproductions because he has continued his work without halt since the early days of C.H Kempton & Co.

Restoration, designing and converting period lanterns has become Paul's main business, sometimes putting these beautiful lanterns back to use after 100 years. With the experience of hindsight - Paul feels that he frequently does a better job than his Victorian predecessors (judging by what he has had to repair), he has often had to make copper Imperial Crowns that after he has painted and gilded , go on top of many London gas lanterns.

These beautiful lanterns can be seen in London's most famous places including; Westminster Abbey, The Royal Parks and all the Royal residences. In total there are about two thousand gas lanterns, doing such a good job that many people do not even notice them. Fine old provincial towns and villages have have had their original gas lanterns taken down, restored and rebuilt by Paul, often converted to electricity, such as Stamford in Lincolnshire (the first conversion town) and Ditchling in Sussex.




At LASSCO St. Michael's we are proud to be associated with skilled craftsmen such as Paul and his beautiful lanterns adorn both the Church and our garden.
To see priced and measured examples of the lanterns we stock please go to the St. Michael's website and type "lantern" in the search bar.