Three Richardson candle street lamps stolen from Cambridge streets

The three Richardson candle street lamps - designed by Sir Albert Richardson for the city in 1957 - have been stolen from Cambridge in a two-month window.

The lanterns’ tubes were designed vertically because Sir Alan disdained the more conventional street lighting and came up with the brown posts and upright tubular lamp style which was inspired by a lamp made for the 1951 Festival of Britain.

The three stolen lamps - all enjoy Listed Building status - were taken from outside the Fitzwilliam Museum on Trumpington Street, from Jesus Lane and from St John’s Street. Sadly, the spree - it is not known whether the lamps will be sold as is or melted down - began in September.

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We're aware that three lanterns have been removed in Cambridge. A report has been made to the police and we're working with our contractors to replace these lamps.”

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: “We have been contacted with reports of the theft of three street lighting lanterns in Cambridge.

“On 3 October we received reports that a lantern had been stolen from Trumpington Street between 1 October and the time of reporting.

“On 8 October we received a second report of a light being stolen from Jesus Lane between 13-14 September.

“The third theft was reported on 24 October, with a lantern being taken from St John’s Street between 23 September and 23 October.

“Anyone with information should contact police via Cambridgeshire Constabulary's website using reference 35/72280/24 (Trumpington Street), 35/73546/24 (Jesus Lane) or 35/77545/24 (St Johns Street). Anyone without internet access should call 101.”