Nowadays, adjusting lighting is as easy as flicking a switch or swiping a

slider on an app. However, over a century ago, brightening or dimming a

bulb was a more mechanical task, involving pulling strings attached to the

socket.

Based on my estimate, this rare HYLO bulb was likely made around 1903.

By the early 1900s, mass manufacturing of carbon-based filaments was

well-established. This bulb features two delicate carbon filaments that

vibrate in sync with my heart when I hold the bulb by its base.

The DIM string is attached to the smaller filament. Pulling it produces a

mere 1 candlepower. The BRIGHT string illuminates a small room thanks to

the larger filament radiating 16 candlepower. While it’s tempting to assume

people purchased these HYLO lamps for mood lighting, they were actually

advertised for their ability to cut down on expensive electrical bills. Hence

the name of the manufacturer: the Economical Electric Lamp Works.

Although this dual-filament bulb wasn’t produced for its ambience-setting

abilities, I’ve used soft colours to suggest the calming effect it would have

had in a home.