Diagrams showing Jablochkoff's candle lamp. Paul Jablochkoff (1847-1894) was a Russian telegraph engineer who would rise to the post of director of telegraphs between Moscow and Kursk. During travels in France in 1876 he developed his electric 'candle', the first lamp to be used in large quantities. The carbons stood upright, parallel to each other which meant the candle did not require complex regulating mechanisms, but its main importance was that it brought electric light to the public attention. Marketed by the Societe Generale D'Electricite and was used to light streets, public buildings and docks as well as various industrial exhibitions through the 1870's and 80's. In London, the candles were installed on the Victoria Embankment, at Billingsgate, Mansion House and the Holborn Viaduct.