24. Thorn Alpha 1 Photographed on Sunday, 14th February 2010 on derelict land adjacent Goodsmoor Road, Sinfin.
What I think happened: Owing to the low mounting height of the supporting column (a 15ft Stanton 10), the large physical size of the Opticell unit has proved an irresistible target for vandals keen to take advantage of the installation's close proximity to the road. The disused nature of the land is likely to also be a factor in the lantern's demise. The Opticell has been missing since at least 2002 (when I first noticed the installation), although the condition of the surviving parts of the installation has not noticeably further deteriorated since then - what I think is the porcelain lampholder is still hanging by its wires. Interestingly, the bracket fitted is identical to a type that was once common in Stafford, although these installations were fitted with GEC Z9484 lanterns. Apart from this installation, I have never seen this type of bracket fitted to any Derbyshire columns.
Pictures:
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