Up: Hayward
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frame with corresponding hexagonal cells, but the glass might be made
of other form.
Simple though this sounds, it was not without
many headaches and heart-searching that Edward Hayward arrived at this
conclusion. But once having done so-- having in his patent brought
together in perfect harmony the two family interests, iron and glass--
his efforts were rewarded by a sudden upward surge in the fortunes of
his firm. Undoubtedly, this invention represents a turning point in
the firm's career. So far, its course had been measured and uninspired
but Edward Hayward's patent pavement lights brought startling developments
which changed the whole complexion of the business. The modest patent
for lock spindles of twenty years before ceased to have any importance
in the annals of Hayward Brothers except perhaps as an indication of a
change in outlook. The patent of 1852 had been concerned with making
locks more effective. The new patent was for a more positive invention
designed to admit light and to throw open the darkest corners to sky
and sunshine.
Edward Hayward's invention revolutionised basement
lighting, which had been a continual source of worry to builders and
architects for some years. Many had tried to overcome the difficulty by
forming areas covered with wrought iron gratings but here the problem of
making a basement water-tight immediately arose. The gratings were
uncomfortable to stand or walk upon, being particularly unpopular with
the fair sex with small shoe heels. Slight improvement was achieved by
making wrought angle and tee bar frames glazed with slabs of rough cast
glass which served the useful purpose of admitting a certain amount of
daylight. This method was followed by the triangular deck lights with
a fillet or flange of glass round the outside to give them a seating in
the adjoining floor or deck. Although this made for strength, it was
discovered upon scientific calculation that the reflecting properties
were negligible and the direct downward rays of light were simply thrown
back again from the sloping faces on either side. Edward Hayward,
confronted with this dilemma,
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