Midsummer Jack

“Midsummer Jack” Fletcher, Lamplighter's Apprentice - Limited Edition of 250 illuminated ghosts. Release 21st June.

Jack Fletcher began his apprenticeship with Cambridge's head lamplighter in 1892, just as the town was buzzing with talk of the revolutionary electric lighting that was transforming London's streets. Unlike the older lamplighters who grumbled about newfangled contraptions threatening their traditional trade, young Jack embraced the coming changes with infectious enthusiasm. His sunny disposition and cheerful whistling made him a favourite along his routes, particularly among the housemaids and shop girls who would time their evening chores to catch glimpses of the handsome young man with his bright smile and easy laugh. Jack got the nickname "Midsummer Jack" for the warm glow he seemed to bring even to the shortest winter days.

The pivotal moment of Jack's career came on the summer solstice of 1894, when he was selected to assist with the installation and first lighting of Cambridge's experimental electric lamp in the centre of Parker's Piece. As crowds gathered in the extended twilight, Jack climbed the ladder to make the historic connection, his hands steady despite the momentous occasion. When the brilliant electric light blazed forth for the first time, illuminating the common ground where town and gown had mingled for centuries, Jack's triumphant grin was visible to all. The success of that installation led to rapid expansion of electric lighting throughout Cambridge, with Jack training other young men in the new technology while maintaining his cheerful dedication to bringing light to the ancient streets.

The Summer Solstice ghost captures Jack at his moment of greatest triumph, the pale orange representing the warm electric glow that replaced flickering gas flames. The resultant glow embodies his role as a literal light-bringer to the town. Owners report that this ghost seems particularly radiant during summer evenings, and some claim to hear faint whistling when the internal lights are activated, as if Jack continues his rounds through eternity, spreading illumination and joy wherever his spirit roams.

Each ghost comes with a string of LEDs to insert into the body of the ghost, a spare battery and an orange-tinted fluorescent disc to stand the ghost on if you so wish.

Every ghost is hand-made and unique - yours will be similar to the image shown but will vary in intensity and amount of streaking or other markings making it just as beautiful, but different.

Released on the Summer Solstice, 21st June. Available now.