Biophantascope (Reconstruction)

Reconstruction of Biophantoscope disc machine by J.A.R. Rudge and W. Friese-Greene.

John Arthur Roebuck Rudge invented many different moving picture machines and effects, often using mechanisms similar to magic lanterns. In 1880 he began working with photographer William Friese-Greene and they created both a biophantic lantern and a Phantascope. Both of these machines used multiple still images to create changing facial expressions or physical movements.

The Biophantascope (or Biphantoscope) was developed in 1890 and consisted of a plunger system which animated two circular frames, each holding seven images on glass. They created sequences of animated facial movements.