002.201.Idrija

Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, SI-5280 Idrija

Public

Municipality of Idrija, Mestni trg 1, SI-5280 Idrija

510:IDR;RZ-577

Mine, Daily life

The homemade carbide lamp is special due to its size and technical completeness. It is composed of two round parts, connected on the side by two bolts. The carbide is stored in the lower part. The upper part contains water. The water flow is regulated with a regulator. The burner (“brener”) – conus thread, is missing. Its hanging part is at the top of the carbide lamp. The latter has a big handle on the top, at the side, but it has no hook. The lamp is mounted on metal stand.

Diameter 11 cm, height 29 cm.

Brass, iron.

The beginning of the 20th century.

Jule Kavčič, Idrija.

For carbide lamp operation, optimum water flow was crucial. The water dripped from the upper part of the carbide lamp onto the carbide (in the lower part), and the process was regulated. Carbide in contact with water produced the gas for the lighting – acetylene. These lamps gave off more than three to four times more light than oil lamps and were also more affordable. Jule Kavčič, born in Idrija, has made several carbide lamps of different dimensions for the needs of the farm houses in the surroundings of Idrija. They were used for various tasks – bobbin lacemaking and socialising in the evenings. The handle was used for hanging the lamp on the belt. The hook was used for hanging the lamp on the beam or the rock crack.

The described carbide lamp is being preserved, secured and presented as an important mining heritage of Idrija with exceptional universal values. It is a part of the mine collection of the Idrija Municipal Museum. Visitors can view it within the permanent museum exhibition “Five Centuries of the Mercury Mine and the Town of Idrija”. It can be used for different types of mercury heritage promotions.

Idrija Mercury Mine (personal, working equipment of a miner).

Idrija Municipal Museum, Gewerkenegg Castle (showroom 7).

The carbide lamp is fully preserved, with the exception of the burner. A conservation procedure was performed on it. All inner and outer parts of the lamp were cleaned and protected. Additional interventions are not necessary. Security of the premises is taken care of.

good

Regular seasonal maintenance.

- Inventory Book of the Idrija Municipal Museum.

Mestni muzej Idrija

Miha Kosmač

6. 3. 2018

Never