Peepshow Box With Fourteen Paper Transparencies

PART OF:
The Kodak Museum Collection
Made:
circa 1800 in unknown place

Peepshow box with fourteen paper transparencies, c 1800. Wooden box 340 x 440 x 420mm. Front covered with canvas, pattern of dome-headed brass studs. 70mm diameter convex lens in brass mount. Internal groove to hold paper transparencies, top lid for access. Hinged rear door, with metal lining for reflector. Unknown maker.

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

Details

Category:
Cinematography
Collection:
Kodak Collection
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153
Materials:
wood (unidentified), brass (copper, zinc alloy), glass, canvas, leather and paper (fibre product)
Measurements:
overall: 340 mm x 440 mm x 420 mm,
type:
optical toy
credit:
The Kodak Collection at the National Media Museum, Bradford

Parts

Image of a magic lantern show used in a peepshow

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for use in a peepshow box; 'Magic lantern show', by Henri Merke, after Thomas Rowlandson, published by Rudolph Ackermann, 101 Strand, London. Unframed. 1799.

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Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

This image depicts another popular form of visual entertainment, the magic lantern which provided a similar services and experience as the peepshow, but was able to project images to a larger audience.

Measurements:
overall: 358 mm x 260 mm .12 kg
Materials:
paper (fibre product)
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/1
type:
optical toy
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Camp Fire Scene

Camp Fire Scene

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for use in a peepshow box; 'Campfire Scene' by William Orme, published by Edward Orme, corner of George and Conduit Street, London, c. 1800. Attached to a wooden frame.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

Materials:
wood (unidentified) , cardboard and paper (fibre product)
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/2
type:
optical toy
Peepshow transparency: Castle of Otranto...

Peepshow transparency: Castle of Otranto...

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for use in a peepshow box; 'Castle of Otranto; Isabella Making Her Escape From The Castle', printed by Random & Stainbank, patented silk transparencies, Old Bond Street, London, 24th May 1800. No wooden frame.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

The Castle of Otranto is a novel by Horace Walpole. First published in 1764, it is generally regarded as the first gothic novel.

Materials:
wood (unidentified) , cardboard and paper (fibre product)
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/3
type:
optical toy
Peepshow transparency: Exploding Kettle

Peepshow transparency: Exploding Kettle

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for a peepshow box; 'Exploding Kettle', printed by Random & Stainbank, 17 Old Bond Street, London, 20th January 1800. Marked 'No 2'.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

Measurements:
overall: 357 mm x 284 mm
Materials:
wood (unidentified) , cardboard and paper (fibre product)
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/4
type:
optical toy

Peepshow transparency: (Burning) of the French Adm. Ships L'Orient in the Glorious Battle of the Nile

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for a peepshow box; '(Burning) of the French Adm. Ships L'Orient in the Glorious Battle of the Nile', printed by Charles Turner and published by Edward Orme, Conduit Street, London, January 1st 1799. Marked 'No 2'. Attached to a wooden frame.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

The Battle of the Nile was a naval battle fought between Britain's Royal Navy and the French Republic Navy at Aboukir Bay on the Mediterranean coast off the Nile Delta of Egypt between 1–3 August 1798.

Materials:
wood (unidentified) , cardboard , paper (fibre product) and metal (unknown)
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/5
type:
optical toy
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Peepshow transparency: Chapel Scene With Nuns

Peepshow transparency: Chapel Scene With Nuns

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for a peepshow box; 'Chapel Scene With Nuns', published by Ackermann's, 101 Strand, London, 20 June1799. Attached to a wooden frame.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

Materials:
wood (unidentified) , cardboard , paper (fibre product) and textile
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/6
type:
optical toy
Peepshow transparency: View of Mount Vesuvius

Peepshow transparency: View of Mount Vesuvius

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for a peepshow box; 'View of Mount Vesuvius', after William Orme, published by Edward Orme, Conduit Street, London, 1 February 1799. Attached to a wooden frame.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

Materials:
wood (unidentified) , cardboard , paper (fibre product) and textile
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/7
type:
optical toy
Peepshow transparency: Procession of Red Cross Knights Bearing The Banners of the Turks Taken in Battle

Peepshow transparency: Procession of Red Cross Knights Bearing The Banners of the Turks Taken in Battle

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for a peepshow box; 'Procession of Red Cross Knights Bearing The Banners of the Turks Taken in Battle', after Holmes, printed by R Ackermann, 101 Strand, December 1799. '101 Strand where a Great Variety of Transparencies, Medalions & Other fancy Prints are Published Daily.' Attached to a wooden frame.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

Materials:
wood (unidentified) , cardboard , paper (fibre product) and textile
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/8
type:
optical toy
Peepshow transparency: Macbeth & Witches

Peepshow transparency: Macbeth & Witches

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for a peepshow box; 'Macbeth & Witches', engraved by Jenna after Holmes, printed by R Ackermann, 101 Strand, 1 September 1799.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

The Tragedy of Macbeth, often shortened to Macbeth, is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. It is thought to have been first performed in 1606. It dramatises the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power.

Materials:
cardboard and paper (fibre product)
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/9
type:
optical toy
Peepshow transparency: Nuns in Chapel

Peepshow transparency: Nuns in Chapel

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for a peepshow box; 'Nuns in Chapel', unknown maker, c. 1800.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

Materials:
cardboard and paper (fibre product)
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/10
type:
optical toy
Peepshow transparency: Romeo and Juliet

Peepshow transparency: Romeo and Juliet

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for a peepshow box; 'Romeo and Juliet', unknown maker, c. 1800.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, often shortened to Romeo and Juliet, is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare early in his career about the romance between two Italian youths from feuding families. It was first published in 1597.

Materials:
paper (fibre product) and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/11
type:
optical toy
Peepshow transparency: Procession of Monks

Peepshow transparency: Procession of Monks

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for a peepshow box; 'Procession of Monks', printed by R Ackermann, 101 Strand, 29 June 1799.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

Materials:
cardboard and paper (fibre product)
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/12
type:
optical toy
Peepshow transparency: Seashore Scene at Night of Smugglers

Peepshow transparency: Seashore Scene at Night of Smugglers

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for a peepshow box; 'Seashore Scene at Night of Smugglers', unknown maker, c.1800.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

Materials:
wood (unidentified) , paper (fibre product) and textile
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/13
type:
optical toy
Peepshow transparency: Halloween Scene

Peepshow transparency: Halloween Scene

One of fourteen hand-coloured paper transparencies for a peepshow box; 'Halloween Scene', Random & Stainbank, 17 Old Bond Street, London, 20 June 1800. Paper print stitched to card mount, attached to wooden frame with brass pins. Print numbered 1. Attached to wooden frame.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

A light source would be placed behind the transparency to illuminate parts of the image for the viewer.

Peepshow box

Peepshow box

Peepshow box, c 1800. Front covered with canvas, pattern of dome-headed brass studs. 70mm diameter convex lens in brass mount. Internal groove to hold paper transparencies, top lid for access. Hinged rear door, with metal lining for reflector. Unknown maker.

More

Peepshow boxes were a tool used by travelling entertainers on the streets and at fairs. People would pay for a peep and see glorious, illuminated views depicting distant lands or current events. Many people, not able to travel far from home for much of their lives, peered into this box to see the far wonders of the world. In 17th and 18th century Europe, it was a popular form of entertainment provided by wandering showpeople.

Measurements:
overall: 440 mm x 350 mm x 420 mm, 4.4 kg
Materials:
wood (unidentified) , brass (copper, zinc alloy) , glass , canvas (textile) , leather and paper (fibre product)
Object Number:
1990-5036/7153/15
type:
optical toy