his group was formed to acknowledge and honor the contributions of dedicated lamp researchers to the growing body of knowledge in the field of antique artificial lighting, and to encourage collectors to share their knowledge. Our concept was to invite a select group of lamp researchers and collectors, and other like-minded persons, to accept membership in The Guild. The Guild's purpose is to further the study of liquid or gaseous fueled lamps and lighting by informally institutionalizing an already existing network of researchers in countries world-wide. The Guild will foster the free and full exchange of historical and technical information between members, and encourage the sharing of this data through existing lamp Collecting Clubs and organizations. The Guild is envisioned as a vehicle to further our individual knowledge, and give Members (and thus all lamp collectors) greater insight into the objects of their collections.

s we have grown, The Guild has published several books, and a series of inexpensive catalogue reprints on CDs under its marque. In the foreseeable future, it could also be the springboard for launching research projects on an international scale. By drawing on the specific language skills of individual members, The Guild could perhaps be a source of translations of documents in languages other than English.
It is our basic assumption, from the ancient tradition of trade guilds, that all dealings between Guild brothers will be conducted at the highest standards of trust and honesty. The Guild hopes to help unite, formalize and strengthen the international cooperation between scholars specializing in different fields of lighting research, and to include the expertise of collectors in this effort. As an Invitation-only organization, we hope to both foster pride in what has already been accomplished, and encourage others to publish or otherwise share the knowledge they have acquired.

s an informally organized group, The Guild had no officers or authority figures, no formal meetings, and precious few rules. Since Incorporation, we still operate with as little formality as the law allows. The Guild will function and flourish solely because of the common bond between the Membership: demonstrated dedication to antique lighting and its study.

he Guild will have several types of membership:

Regular Members:

a group that is already actively involved in research and information exchange, and are a part of a much less formal existing network, plus additional Invitees, those expert collectors whose experience and knowledge comes to the attention of The Guild, and for whom Membership may open the door to sharing and expanding on their knowledge.

Honorary Members:

for non-researchers or collectors who have helped make our lighting research easier (such as Librarians or Museum Curators).

orrespondence between Members is strongly encouraged, and will be The Guild Member's primary interaction with other members. This Web Site has become an easy, inexpensive, almost instantaneous and effective way to facilitate communication with the whole Internet-linked membership at one time, or to and from individual Members via e-Mail.

nyone is welcome to browse, to learn, and ask questions! The Questions and Answers page was specifically designed to be a forum where any visitor can seek and find help on lamping questions. We aren't specialists in everything (especially NOT Electric Lighting), but we'll provide the space for your question, and will do our best to find you the answer.