Adapted Studio Light For Microscopic Filming

Adapted studio light used by Gerald Thompson, OBE, FRPS (1917-2002), for microscopic and insect filming. Used in the making of his film, 'The Alder Wood Wasp and its Insect Enemies', 1960. Gerald Thompson was one of the founders of Oxford Scientific Films. Wheeled.

Gerald Thompson was a founding member of Oxford Scientific Films in 1968. He worked as a professional filmmaker and was a pioneer in the art of cinemicrophotography, the photographic techniques used to film the behaviour and structure of small animals and plants. The company focused initially on filming nature at a microscopic level, including insect and aquatic wildlife. Using specialised equipment and camera techniques they developed themselves, the company gained fame for its ability to record never before seen footage of the natural world.

These lights were used to film Thompson's 1960 film The Alder Woodwasp and its Insect Enemies. The lamps have been adapted by the addition of a glass flask in front of the light source. This served to reduce the heat produced by the light, so lessening the harmful effect upon the insects being filmed.