Magic lantern slide showing street scene

A hand-painted magic lantern slide depicting a street scene painted by W R Hill in 1876 and shown at the Royal Polytechnic Institution, London. The slide shows people gathered in a square by night. The central figures wear 16th century-style garments and carry swords.

The Polytechnic Institution (later the Royal Polytechnic Institution) was opened in August 1838 to provide the public with (in the words of its prospectus of 1837) 'a practical knowledge of the various arts and branches of science connected with Manufactures, Mining Operations, and Rural Economy'.

It provided practical demonstrations and showcased new technologies to the public. Part of this work included spectacular magic lantern shows employing as many as six huge lanterns projecting large, hand-painted slides eight inches (20.3 cm) by five inches (12.7 cm).