CU
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Concrete Utilities Limited
Great Amwell
Ware
Herts
England
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Their first reinforced lighting column was produced in 1926 - Catalogue 1938
They issued their first list in 1931 which showed 7 designs of columns up to 15' high to spigot. - Catalogue 1938
There are 18 designs of column by 1936. - Advert 1936
The firm exhibited four columns and brackets at the APLE's Conference in Folkestone. They were described as distinctive and modern giving
dignity to any lighting scheme. The flat surface of the column reflected the light from the lantern and from the
headlights of vehicles and so increased their safety value as beacons. (The beacon effect most useful to motorists
in the early hours of the morning when lamps are extinguished.) They noted the wide range of
columns and brackets to suit particular environments. All were scientifically designed with necessary reinforcement
to give a strength equal to withstand severe shock - they were spun and vibrated. When raising and lowering gear was
used then all cables and the winch are totally enclosed and no unsightly clips spoil the lines of the column. - APLE Conference Programme 1937
The firm are exhibiting a 5' projection Shakespeare Bracket and a 4' projection New Arc bracket. A well-produced
brochure has just been issued. The firm has had many years' experience in design and manufacturer of Concrete Lamp Columns
and many thousands have been installed in this country and some abroad. - APLE Conference Programme 1938
Two brochures were issued in 1938. "Modern Lamp Columns" includes the high columns whilst "Modern Lighting" includes
short columns. - Catalogue 1938
Described as the "pioneer of Concrete Lighting Columns", the firm are showing two columns of the
Avenue design which have been given approval by the Royal Fine Arts Commission.
The flat surfaces of the colums reflect the light from the lanterns and from the headlights of
vehicles, so increasing their safety value as beacons. (The beacon effect most useful to motorists
in the early hours of the morning when lamps are extinguished.)
New features are columns giving 25' mounting height taking up on 12¼" and 9½"
pavement width. Columns can be supplied in rubbed, ground or polished terazzo finish. - APLE Conference Programme 1939
Have supplied 50,000 concrete columns to hundreds of boroughs around the country. - [Public Lighting #17, 1940]
Have started production of concrete bollards and smaller Tom Thumb units. - [Public Lighting #17, 1940]
The "originators of the Reinforced Concrete Column for street lighting" are displaying a set of water colours of
their designs including the "Arc" series of brackets, two of which have been approved by the Royal Fine Arts Commission.
A column base is on display showing the reinforcement and door fitting which only occupies 9&frac;12" across the pavement.
A composite concrete lantern head is mentioned, which the firm have the patent for, and which is being developed in
conjunction with Siemens Electric Lamps And Supplies Limited. The firm are
also proposing the manufacture of a series of concrete bollards.- APLE Conference Programme 1945
References:
APLE Exhibition Catalogue Folkestone 1937
APLE Conference Programme Bournemouth 1938
APLE Conference Programme Glasgow 1939
APLE Conference Programme Glasgow 1945
- External Links:
- Grace's Guide
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