Featured: The Lighthouse Mapping Project - > Explore the Interactive Lighthouse Map
The Lighthouse Mapping Project
In the 1800s, Chance Brothers Glassworks in Smethwick became internationally renowned for producing high-quality lighthouse lenses, illuminating over 2,500 lighthouses worldwide.
To celebrate and document this extraordinary legacy, the Chance Heritage Trust, in collaboration with DigVentures, launched the Chance Lighthouse Mapping Project.
This innovative initiative invited participants from around the globe to contribute to the creation of an interactive online map showcasing historic lighthouses equipped with Chance lenses. Volunteers conducted detailed research, uncovering photographs, technical details, and historical insights, which were meticulously compiled to bring this unique story to life.
The project highlights the global impact of Chance Brothers’ innovations and fosters a sense of community among lighthouse enthusiasts and maritime history lovers. The resulting map is is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the craftsmanship and engineering that shaped lighthouse technology around the world.
Today, the map details over 500 lighthouses, each meticulously recorded by dedicated volunteers. Explore the map to zoom in on individual lighthouses, uncover their fascinating background stories, and discover an array of technical specifications that tell the tale of Chance Brothers’ enduring legacy.