Reynaud's Praxinoscope Theatre

Reynaud's Praxinoscope Theatre, c.1879. Emile Reynauld, Paris. Box opening and errecting to carry mirror drum with twelve facets; black background picture bands fit around circumference. Image viewed through hole in upright lid, seen through glass plate in which is reflected interchangeable background and foreground scene; the galss set in theatre style proscenium. Instructions pasted on lower proscenium panel. Candle holder and shade missing. With four bands; girl blowing bubbles (fitted in drum); leapfrog; girl skipping; boy foot-juggling. Background/foreground cards; circus; country house; background only; snow scene. Three advertising cards for - Praxinoscope, Projection Praxinoscope, Praxinoscope Theatre. Reproduction candle shade, made by Science Museum from original in BFI, in 1956.

Reynaud’s 1877 Praxinoscope was similar to a zoetrope, with mirrors in place of viewing slits. As the wheel turned, the reflections of the pictures appeared stationary. This Praxinoscope theatre was a development of Reynaud’s earlier Praxinoscope. This version had a glass viewing screen which reflected one of a range of printed scenes placed below the viewing aperture on the inside of the lid. Looking through this aperture, the viewer sees the moving figure reflected on the mirror drum which appears to be superimposed on the printed scene.