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Football by the new electric light at Kennington Oval
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Football by the new electric light at Kennington Oval
Engraving showing spectators and players at a football match between the Wanderers and the Clapham Rovers illuminated by the new lighting system, which on this occasion was reported to be unsatisfactory due to the positioning of the lights. As illustrated in the sketch, the light caused shifting shadows and was confusing to the players
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Media ID 4358766
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10216039
1878 Caused Clapham Confusing Electric Football Illuminated Kennington Lighting Lights Match Occasion Oval Players Positioning Reported Rovers Shadows Shifting Spectators System Wanderers Unsatisfactory
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EDITORS COMMENTS
A New Era in Football: The Unsatisfactory Debut of Electric Lighting at Kennington Oval in November 1878 This engraving captures a significant moment in football history, as the game transitioned from being played in daylight to being illuminated by electric light. The scene depicts a football match between the Wanderers and the Clapham Rovers at Kennington Oval, the first football ground to experiment with electric lighting. The date was November 16, 1878, and the innovation was reported to be unsatisfactory due to the positioning of the lights. The image shows spectators and players huddled together, trying to make sense of the shifting shadows cast by the new lighting system. The players, dressed in their respective team colors, seem confused as they attempt to navigate the uneven playing surface and adjust to the confusing light. The spectators, too, appear perplexed, their faces illuminated by the flickering lights. The import of this moment cannot be overstated. Electric lighting was a game-changer for football, allowing matches to be played in the evenings and extending the season. However, as this engraving illustrates, the early experiments were far from perfect. The lights caused shifting shadows that made it difficult for players to see the ball and for spectators to follow the action. Despite these challenges, the determination to push forward with electric lighting ultimately paid off, leading to the development of more effective systems and paving the way for the modern game. This historical sketch is a fascinating glimpse into the early days of football and the technological innovations that shaped its evolution. It serves as a reminder of the perseverance and ingenuity that have always been at the heart of the beautiful game.
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