Weblog 2006 News Archive
Thomas Ganz Collection at Christies
December 31, 2006
Just a reminder that this world class collection will be coming under the hammer on January 22nd. Full details including an online catalogue can be found at:
http://www.christies.com/cameras
Thaumatrope on ebay
December 10, 2006
A nice set of Thaumatrope disks was sold recently on ebay. In their original box they sold for UK£2,100.
Mcintosh TriUnial Sells on ebay
December 12, 2006
A nice triunial magic lantern projector made by McIntosh Battery and Optical Company of Chicago was offered recently on ebay. It sold for US$14,300. The lantern was serial number 695, with six copper or bronze plates on the side doors.
Web Site Strategy Agreed
July 23, 2007
At the recent meeting of the Society Committee we reviewed, discussed and approved my proposed strategy for the Magic Lantern Society Web Site. Major points were:
1. Improve and enhance the whole Look and Feel of the Site.
2. Add the necessary sections to allow higher profile marketing of the Society publications and Membership
3. Add a Web Log to enable easy provision of news and to demonstrate that the site is being regularly updated in some way (this is what you are reading now).
4. Add sections that are aimed directly at members.
5. Add further information on the lantern and its history to make the site the premier online resource for all users
6. Develop the methods and interfaces to facilitate future online databases of readings, slide images and catalogues.
The strategy will be implemented through 2007.
Thomas Ganz Collection at Auction
November 08, 2006
Christies of South Kensington have announced the sale of the Thomas Ganz Collection on Monday 22nd January, 2007.
This internationally known collection is one of the most important in private hands and will provide collectors , museums and institutions with a unique opportunity to acquire rare material.
Details online at www.christies.com
Copy of Ars Magna Lucis et Umbra sells on ebay
November 08, 2006
Just sold on ebay is a copy of this important work by Athanasius Kircher a Second Edition this copy printed in Amsterdam, 1671. Ars Magna Lucis et Umbra contains the earliest known illustration of a Magic Lantern. A rare work the book sold for US$6350 after some lively bidding.
Lime Light Lanternist Slide on ebay
October 24, 2006
An interesting magic lantern slide sold recently on ebay. Produced by the photographer W.Hurwood of Liverpool Street, Sydney, Australia, it is a photograph of his premises. As you can see from the image below, Hurwood advertised his Lantern Slides and offered himself as a Lime-Light Lanternist. A rare image, it sold for just under £100.
Notice the two girls with a cockatoo on the doorstep.
Thanks to "Colonialpaperboy" for permission to use the image.
Christies, South Kensington Auction
October 24, 2006
Christies will be holding and auction of "Cameras, Photographs and Optical Toys" on November 22nd. Full details on their website at
www.christies.com.
Westlicht Auction In Vienna
October 24, 2006
Westlicht Auctions of Vienna are holding a Sale on November 18th that includes a number of interesting and rare Magic Lantern items and Optical Toys.
The auction catalogue can be viewed online at www.westlicht-auction.com. You can bid online or via ebay Live Auctions.
Eyes, Lies and Illusions Exhibition
October 04, 2006
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Melbourne will host the "Eyes, Lies and Illusions" exhibition, which explores the ancestry of the moving image through an astonishing collection of rare optical media and artworks from the 16th to the 21st centuries. The exhibition runs from 2nd November, 2006 to 11th February, 2007.
The exhibition combines more than a thousand instruments, images and devices drawn from the remarkable collection of the German experimental film-maker Werner Nekes with major works by internationally renowned contemporary artists - showing how optical phenomena continue to fascinate to this day.
Magic Lanterns and Slides at Bonhams Auction
October 04, 2006
Bonhams (www.bonhams.co.uk) are holding an auction of Mechanical Music, Railwayana and Cameras at their Knowle premises on October 17th, 2006. Lots 194 to 220A are magic lanterns, slides and related items.
The Magic Lantern Show
August 31, 2006
Terry Borton, Professional Magic Lantern Showman, and proprietor of the American Magic-Lantern Theatre has his own weblog. Read his stories about "Life on the Road" and what his theatre company is up to at:
http://magiclanternshows.blogspot.com/
A Pair of Dissolving Lanterns Sells on ebay
August 15, 2006
A nice pair of French tin plate dissolving magic lanterns sold on ebay early this month. They were complete with all their original accessories and in the original pine case. The lanterns looked as if they have never been used and came with an original flyer dated 1888 for a lecture on the bible using dissolving views. The auction closed at UK£620 (a fairly low price). They were sold by the well known pair Matt and Chris Nunn at Apsley Antiques.
Magic Lanterns and Slides at Bonhams Auction
October 04, 2006
Bonhams (www.bonhams.co.uk) are holding an auction of Mechanical Music, Railwayana and Cameras at their Knowle premises on October 17th, 2006. Lots 194 to 220A are magic lanterns, slides and related items.
A Hidden Gem
October 04, 2006
If you are ever in Melbourne, Australia, then take a little time to visit Michael's Camera Shop on the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets. Apart from being a superb camera store with extensive stock, on the first floor there is a camera museum. Among the ranks of historical Nikon, Canon and Leica cameras there are a few magic lanterns, slides, stereo viewers etc. There is a very nice example of a Riley Bothers Praestantia lantern and a wood and brass biunial. A very pleasant way to spend an hour or so in the centre of the city.
Biunial Lantern Sells on ebay
July 16, 2006
A nice biunial lantern (possibly by Hughes) recently sold on ebay. There was a total of 30 bids with the ultimate buyer, from France, offering £2196.89. The lantern was sold by Apsley Antiques, the well known partnership of Matt and Chris Nunn who also organise the bi-annual International Antique Scientific & Medical Instrument Fair in London.
New Book on the Phantasmagoria
July 11, 2006
A new publication has just been announced by The Projection Box.
Written by the chairman of the Magic Lantern Society, Dr Mervyn Heard, its titled "Phantasmagoria, The Secret Life of the Magic Lantern". It offers "a full-blooded account of an extraordinary theatrical ghost-raising entertainment, and the true exploits of its mysterious inventor, Paul de Philipsthal."
Essential reading for all students of the Magic Lantern. Full details from The Projection Box - see link at right.
Upcoming Changes to the Website
July 11, 2006
Part of my brief as Web Manager is to develop a new strategy for the website with the objectives of "increasing traffic, expanding the site's capabilities to serve members, making the web a primary channel for marketing the Society's publications, and attracting new members.
This strategy document is virtually complete and will be submitted to the Society Committee at the next meeting. There will be time for Committee members to review and discuss the proposals with the final plan to receive sign off by year end. I would expect new website developments to begin by early 2007.
