This albumen print from a glass negative is a type of photograph that was made in the mid decades of the nineteenth century. In this particular photograph, the thinness of paper and dullness of albumen indicate an early example of that process dating from the 1850s to the 1860s. It is of a gaselier or gas light intended to be hung from the ceiling. It was made in the Victorian metalworker Francis Skidmore's (1817-1896) firm. It may have been made at his premises in West Orchard, where his firm was in 1853, or Alma Street, Coventry from 1859. The gaselier in this photograph is similar in shape and has the same curving branches as those recorded in St. Mary's Guildhall, Coventry, in early postcards. The Corporation of Coventry approved a scheme for gas lighting in St. Mary's Guildhall in 1850. Printed designs for gaseliers of a different shape, based on a stronger horizontal line, are in a pattern book lettered 'Skidmore's Art Manufactures Co. Book of Designs' in Coventry Public Library. Skidmore's firm had this title from 1865.

The photograph is thus a record of the work done and it comes from an archive of designs and photographs from Skidmore's firm. In addition, he produced church plate, light fittings, and furniture but was best known for his innovative architectural ironwork of which this roof crest is an example.