Label Type
curated descriptionLabel
The Magic Lantern
Magic lanterns operate by using a concave mirror behind the light source to direct light through glass slides. Slides were originally hand-painted on glass and initially featured silhouette figures. As translucent paint became available, slides could instead feature color images.
Magic lanterns as we conceive of them today existed as early as 1659. In the 1700s magic lanterns were used by traveling entertainers to set up “Phantasmagoria” to scare and entertain viewers. Images from a hidden magic lantern would be projected onto smoke to make them move and appear more ethereal.Label Type
curated descriptionLabel
Slide Projector
J.L. Nerlien, Norway
Circa 1900
This early Magic Lantern used a flame (alcohol or kerosene lamp) to project glass slide images on the wall or screen. Projectors like this were important tools for education and industry. A large percentage of the preserved historic glass slides are of technical and medical images.
