Chromatrope

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A chromatrope is a type of magic lantern slide that produces dazzling, colorful geometrical patterns set in motion by rotating two painted glass discs in opposite directions, originally with a double pulley mechanism but later usually with a rackwork mechanism. [1] [2]

The chromatrope was possibly invented around 1841 by English glass painter and showman Henry Langdon Childe, by which year it was listed in the Royal Polytechnic Institution catalogue. . [3] [4] It was added as a novelty to the program of the Royal Polytechnic Institution, [5] [6] which had previously included many other types of magic lantern shows with moving images, such as phantasmagoria and dissolving views.

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References

  1. "Luikerwaal - Mechanical Slides". www.luikerwaal.com.
  2. "Chromatropes". www.luikerwaal.com.
  3. "A rare and large Henry Langdon Childe Mahogany-Mounted and Brass Hand-Painted Chromatrope, pair o". www.the-saleroom.com.
  4. Balzer, Richard. "Dick Balzer's Website: Homepage". www.dickbalzer.com.
  5. The Athenæum. 21 December 1844.
  6. "The Royal Polytechnic Institution ... Catalogue for 1841. New edition". 29 September 1845 via Google Books.