Products of Walter Macfarlane & Co's Saracen Foundry reached to the heart of the British Empire, as is shown by this engraving of lamp pillars, etc, attached to the dome of an underground lavatory at Piccadilly, London. The illustration is taken from the firm's catalogue published in 1911.
Macfarlane's manufactured a wide range of cast iron lamp posts, brackets and other fixtures and fittings which were suitable for both gas and electric lighting. It was claimed that these accessories would enable local authorities to meet their responsibilities for the provision of public lighting, while businesses would be able to enhance the appearance of their premises.
Reference: Mitchell Library, GC f672.2506541443 MCF
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
cast iron, foundries, iron founders, lamp posts, lavatories, ornamental ironwork, Saracen Foundry, street lighting, trade catalogues, Walter Macfarlane & Co