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Paris 1900 in 2003
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MANHOLE COVERS OF LONDON
Manhole covers are among the urban landscape's most lasting features. They are made of extremely durable materials since their placement exposes them to wear. They have also endured because unlike gas street lamps, manhole covers remain useful and, more than 100 years after their installation, continue to fulfil their function perfectly. Traditional manholes covers are round and decorated with geometric designs. They often bear inscriptions. The round shape requires less space than a square and makes handling easier. Once removed, the cover can be transported by rolling. Decorations serve as identification. In English-speaking countries, manhole covers were embossed and those covering telephone networks bore hexagonal designs. Designs also provide a non-slip surface on the sidewalk or roadway. Manhole
covers offer living testimony to the industrial artistry of the second
half of the 19th century as many of the covers still seen today on the
sidewalks of European and North American cities date from that period.
London, capital of the world's first industrialized country, is undoubtedly
the most beautiful open-air museum. The variety and beauty of manhole
cover designs are unparalleled. Many covers date from the second half
of 19th century, when electric, gas and telephone service became available
in the city. Subterranean galleries were necessary to install the infrastructure
underground and access for maintenance had to be provided. Most of the covers I photographed bear the name and address of the foundry where they were manufactured, a requirement at that time. Some include the words "self-locking" or "automatic action," indicating that the cover was equipped with an automatic closing system activated when the cover was turned and intended to discourage theft and unauthorized entry.
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Copyright 2002 Marc Voelckel Updates
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