Dolphin lamp standard

Dolphin lamp standards provide electric light along much of the Thames Embankment in London, United Kingdom.

Two stylised dolphins or sturgeons writhe around the base of a standard lamp post, supporting a fluted column bearing electric lights in an opaque white globe, topped by a metal crown.

The lamp posts were designed by George John Vulliamy and modelled by Charles Henry Driver, architect of the Victoria Embankment wall and river stairs.

Vulliamy had become superintending architect to the Metropolitan Board of Works in March 1861, and he also designed benches for the embankments with cast iron ends in the form of sphinxes and camels, inspired by Cleopatra's Needle.

Further dolphin lamp posts were added on the north and south banks of the Thames in 1977, to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.