The
Lamp Works can be contacted via the address opposite.
Note this site is part of The Rhondda Cynon Taf
Library Service Heritage Trail Website -
THIS PAGE IS
NOT RUN BY E. THOMAS & WILLIAMS
LTD.
E. Thomas & Williams Ltd
Cambrian Lamp Works
Robertstown Industrial Estate
Aberdare,M. Glam
CF44 8YY
Tel: 01685 876107
Fax: 01685 881319
The company was founded in 1860 by Evan Thomas, and
was originally based at premises in Cardiff
Street, Aberdare. In 1877 it moved to new premises
at Graig Street just off Monk Street, Aberdare. Mr.
Lewis N. Williams who was an authority on the theory
and construction of safety lamps joined Mr. Evan Thomas
in the business. In 1907 the business became a limited
company operating under the name of E.Thomas & Williams
Ltd.
During the 1880s and 1890s the company exhibited lamps at various important
industrial exhibitions, winning many prestigious awards including the
gold medal at the London Mining Exhibition. The expansion of the coal
industry was creating an active home market for their goods and exports
were also on the increase with goods being exported to countries such
as Australia, India, South Africa, Canada, America and Russia.
The coming of the First World War saw the
company making shell casings for the Army, with the workforce
reaching 70. The years between the wars were not so successful
however and the depression led to a decline in business
and a cut in the workforce. It was the Second World War,
which brought about an upturn in their business, with
the company winning contracts from the Ministry of Supply
for the manufacture of steel parts and a small battery
operated "Lightbuoy" designed to locate survivors
from torpedoed ships.
Following the war the company continued to prosper until the decline of
the coal industry in the UK forced management to look for alternatives
for its workforce. It was the company's practice of manufacturing Cambrian
Miners' Lamps for presentation to political, military and sporting dignitaries
that was to provide a solution to their problem. Very soon the company's
product was to find its way into shops all around the world. This departure
into the gift market did not however signal an end to the production of
safety lamps. The Cambrian Safety Lamp is still seen as an essential tool
for detecting dangerous gas build ups and is used in collieries, ships
holds and sewers today.
The company continues to operate from
a factory in Robertstown, having moved there after their
Aberdare premises were destroyed by fire in 1978. With
a staff of around 12 they continue to produce approx.
1500 fine crafted lamps per month for sale around the
world and are the only approved manufacturer of safety
lamps in Wales. Now 70% of the factory output goes for
export in countries as wide spread as America, Canada,
Scandinavia and throughout Europe with only a small proportion
used in connection with mining. It is hoped that the
appearance of cheap imitation lamps on the market will
not not affect the sales and possibly the future of this
long established local company that has been in existence
over 140 years.
Right: The
9F lamp advertised in the companies 5th edition
catalogue Circa 1910
