Solar-powered lamp revealed as 100th Object

The British Museum has just revealed the object that will conclude A History of the World - a lamp with the power to enhance lives the world over. The 100th object had to be

an object that tells the story of the ingenuity and the challenges that shape humanity in the 21st century.

The result was announced on the Today programme at 7.45am this morning by the British Museum's director Neil MacGregor. He said:

We are still making things that change the world and change the way we are ... What solar power does is give a whole range of people power over their lives.

Update: Watch the video as Neil MacGregor explains to Evan Davis why the solar-powered lamp was the 100th object. Evan Davis ends

I have to say, in my view, absolutely right to pick an object or objects that are relevant to the whole world, not just the West.

See also Tomorrow’s vote on 100th object keeps solar in the news, Solar lamp an icon in social entrepreneurship and Will solar powered lamp be 100th object?

pic. D.light solar lamp and charger