Weblog 2008 News

Rare Cycloidotrope Lantern Slide sells on ebay

Posted Dec 16th, 2008

A rare cycloidotrope lantern slide sold recently on ebay. The slide uses a rackwork mechanism to rotate a smoke blackened disk while multiple sylus draw lines through the black surface. Complex multiple spiral designs appear on the screen as they are created.

The slide sold for US$1250

Thanks to 00netwise for permission to use their image.

Christmas Magic Lantern Show - “PICTURES FROM ITALY” by C. Dickens

Posted Dec 7th, 2008

A Christmas presentation of Pictures from Italy by Charles Dickens will be given by the Museo del PRECINEMA, Collezione Minici Zotti, PADOVA at Palazzo Moroni - Sale Paladin on December 12th at 20.30.

Entry is free.

Not to be missed if you are able to attend.

The DC Antique Photo Show

Posted Nov 22nd, 2008

The DC Antique Photo Show will make its 26th annual spring appearance under new management Sunday March 15, 2009, at its regular venue, Holiday Inn Rosslyn/Key Bridge, 1900 N. Ft. Myer Dr., Arlington, VA 22209.

The change was announced today by Tom Rall, a director of Diverse Markets Management (DMM), a DC firm which is the new show manager. "And that's about all we'll change this year," Rall promised. "Even Russell Norton, who successfully developed the show, will return to sell his popular collectible stereoviews and photo preservation products and to consult with us."

Norton, who lives in Connecticut, "wanted to concentrate on promoting his New England shows and we thought it was a good time for experienced local management to step up," said Rall, who also manages The Flea Market at Eastern Market on Capitol Hill.

DMM partners with local Business Improvement Districts to run the popular Downtown DC Holiday Market, December 5 through 23, 2008, on an F Street NW sidewalk in front of The National Portrait Gallery between 7th and 9th Streets NW, now in its fourth season, and Crystal Market, which recently concluded its initial season in Arlington's Crystal City.

The DC Antique Photo Show opens with an 8:30 AM $20 preview admission and continues 10 AM to 4 PM with a $5 public admission. Probably the longest running photo image show in the country, it features a full range of antique photo imagery, including Daguerreotypes, CDVs, stereoviews, lantern slides, tintypes, postcards, albums, movie stills, press photos and more.

For more information contact Rall, 703-534-8220, tom@diversemarkets.net, or visit www.DiverseMarkets.net

Nervous Magic Lantern Project

Posted Nov 21st, 2008

On the evening of the 29th November, at the BFI IMAX, Ken Jacobs, father of film-as-performance, will be presenting at the huge scale of six double-deckers, his Nervous Magic Lantern project, with soundtrack courtesy of Eric La Casa.

Taking multiple, identical short clips of film (for this project flickering, hypnotic and trancelike, crystalline forms), stripped from real time and projected over each other allowing for a flickering and 4D investigation of details and movement.

Look at http://www.arika.org.uk/kytn/2008/tour/performance/ken_jacobs_and_eric_la_casa/ for footage of a similar previous performance (this piece has been specially commissioned for the Kill Your Timid Notion festival that it is part of).

Projectors and Slides at Auction

Posted Nov 16th, 2008

Several lots of lanterns and slides are included in the upcoming Clifford Cross Auctions in Wisbech on Thursday November 11th at 12 noon. Viewing from 9am.

Telephone 01945 584200 Fax 01945 584560

e-mail: grounds.auction@googlemail.com

Some nice items have appeared in these auction rooms in the past.

Gilbert ‘Galantee Show’ and Victorian Magic Lantern Extravanganza

Posted Nov 13th, 2008

At The Palace, Community Centre, High Street, Ibstock Leicestershire on Friday, 5th December.

The Performance begins at 7.30pm. (Doors, Box Office and licensed bar open at 7.00pm).

Advance ticket sales: Halls Electrical, High Street, Ibstock, telephone: 01530 260460.

Predating all of the Art-Deco style super cinemas of the 1920’s – 1930’s, the Palace is one of the earliest existing examples of a purpose-built cinema in the country. Built on the original ‘fair field’, where the travelling theatre would make an annual visit, as well as the fair, a weekend market, and the cricket field, the site has been the centre of popular entertainment in community for over one hundred years. In 1912, the Palace, designed by local architects Goddard & Wain of Coalville, was built by Baxter’s Builders. It opened its doors for business on Boxing Day. Unable to compete with the rise of home videos and large out of town cinemas, the last film to roll of the reel was Walt Disney’s ‘Jungle Book’ in 1970. Still a provider of popular community entertainment, the Palace was used as a Bingo Hall, before finally closing for business in 1986. Bought by the Parish Council on 3 October 1995 the building was leased to the Palace Arts Centre Ltd in 2000.

Magic Lantern on BBC Radio 4

Posted Oct 21st, 2008

Heard on Midweek with Libby Purves, 15 October 2008

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/midweek.shtml

Libby interviews artist Alan Aldridge about his new autobiography. His opening story (which appears in the book) is about a visit from a magic lanternist during the 1950s.The interview starts about 24 mins. into the programme.

Rare Monkey and Magic Lantern thimble sells on ebay

Posted Oct 10th, 2008

A rare French silver thimble of a monkey with a magic lantern was offered recently on ebay.

Measuring 2.3 cm high the thimble was dated circa 1880 and featured the Florian monkey giving a magic lantern show to other animals.

Described as "in excellent condition", it sold for US$417 after 14 bids.

A similar thimble was sold at Christie's as part of the Ganz collection in January 2007 for £240 (approx. $474) - see the details here

Thanks to rupertandtoby for permission to use the image.

Rare Monkey & Lantern Tapestry sells on ebay

Posted Sep 17th, 2008

A rare tapestry of a monkey with a magic lantern was offered recently on ebay.

Measuring 24" wide by 20" high the tapestry was dated circa 1920 and believed to have hung in a movie theatre.

Described as "in superb condition", it showed a monkey operating a magic lantern, projecting an image of two lovebirds on the wall.

After 16 bids the tapestry was sold for US$550.

Thanks to finerthings101 for permission to use the image.

Biunial Lantern sells on ebay

Posted Sep 17th, 2008

A nice biunial lantern was offered recently on ebay.

In good condition, the lantern had an unusal rheostat modification on the back. Added when the lantern was converted to electric, it allowed the lighting to be faded at the turn of a knob.

After 3 bids the lantern was sold for UK£2250.

Thanks to elisabethpostcards for permission to use the image.

Latest Performance Information - Travelling Light Magic Lantern Company

Posted Sep 17, 2008

The Travelling Light Magic Lantern Company has announced its latest performance dates:

Saturday, 18th. October at the Parish Church Hall, Burnham-on Sea, Somerset, a full show commencing at 19.30hrs, in aid of Church funds.

Monday, 10th. November, at Redland Bowling Club, Redland Green Road, Bristol, a full show commencing at 19.30hrs.

Saturday, 22nd. November, at St. Andrews School Hall, Congresbury, North Somerset, a full show commencing at 19. 30hrs, in aid of the Children's Hospice (South West).

Friday, 5th. December, at The Folk Hall, Portishead, North Somerset, 'The Life and Songs of Frederick Weatherly', a special evening in the home town of, arguably, Britain's most prolific songwriter, the presentation includes two of his most famous songs, 'Danny Boy' and 'Roses of Picardy'. Performance commences at 19.30hrs.

Monday, 8th. December, at The Church Institute, Bancks Street, Minehead, West Somerset, a full show commencing at 19.30hrs.

Latest Performance Information - Museo del PRECINEMA

Posted Sep 17, 2008

The Museo del PRECINEMA has announced its latest performance dates. Full details can be found on their website.

Index and Finding Aid to past Journal articles added to website

Posted Aug 23rd, 2008

A new Index and Finding Aid to past articles in the New Magic Lantern Journal has been added to the website. Containing details of research papers, commentary, discussion and dialog on all aspects of the Magic Lantern and related optical entertainments and history, the finding aid is a valuable addition to the bibliography of magic lantern history.

The Index and Finding Aid is available on the Journal Index page.

Rare Johann Faulk Ceramic Lantern offered on ebay

Posted July 28th, 2008

A rare Johann Faulk ceramic magic lantern was offered recently on ebay.

In very good condition, the body was 9 cm deep x 19 cm deep including the lens x 15 cm tall or about 3 1/2" x 7" x 6".With its chimney the lantern stood 33 cm or 13" tall.

Ceramic lanterns are rare and this small model even more unusual.

After 20 bids the lantern was unsold at US$2440.

Thanks to Pierre at www.antiquetoysandgames.com for permission to use the image.

Professor Mervyn Heard's Latest Performance Dates

Posted July 28th, 2008

Tuesday 16 September: Wirksworth Festival (Children’s Day) – daytime shows

Saturday 27 September: Plymouth City Museum – daytime shows

Saturday 20 &21 December: Arlington Court – daytime shows

Monday 22 – Wednesday 24 December: Llanhydrock Park – daytime shows

Magic Lantern Show at Sidmouth Folk Festival

Posted July 28th, 2008

Tuesday 5th August 6-30 to 8pm @ Sidmouth Parish Church

Concert 'Pull For The Shore' an evening of Moody & Sankey Songs

Illustrated with original Victorian Lantern Slides and Lantern.

Singing lead by the West Gallery Association

Presenter; Ken Baddley Lanternist, Stan Roberts

Tickets £8

Grand Magic Lantern Entertainment, Hastings, July 20th, 2008

Posted June 23rd, 2008

A Grand Magic Lantern Entertainment will be performed at the Stables Theatre, Hastings on July 20th, 2008 at 3.30pm.

Featuring 'Professor' Mervyn Heard and The Incomparable Marriots, music will be proved by Stephen Horne on piano and Juliette Harcourt, singer.

The show provides a fascinting and at times hilaroius peek into the world of the Victorian Optical Show.

Not to be missed.

Tickets £10, phone 01424 423221

Click to see larger poster

International Magic Lantern Festival, Washington, DC area July, 2008

Posted June 15th, 2008

An International Magic Lantern Festival will be celebrated in the Washington, DC area July 10 through 13, 2008, according to recent program announcements made by The Magic Lantern Society of the United States and Canada for its 13th International Convention.

Four continents will be represented in the programs, which recreate and examine the popular 19th and early 20th Century medium. The convention will open with a rear-projected show by the Japanese lantern troupe, Minwa-za Company of Tokyo. Minwa-za’s four lanternists and three musicians will perform at the Smithsonian Institution’s Freer Gallery Meyer Auditorium, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 10.

Additional program information can be found at:

http://www.magiclanternsociety.org/convention08.html

Professor Mervyn Heard's Latest Lecture Dates

Posted May 13th, 2008

Friday 16 May: Royal Marines Museum, Portsmouth,7.30pm

Thursday 10 July: Merlin Theatre, Frome, 7.00pm

Sunday 20 July: The Stables Theatre, Hastings, 3.30pm

Friday/Saturday 22/23 August: Nickelodeon Museum, Revelstoke , B.C. Canada

Saturday/Sunday 25/26 October: Blenheim Palace - daily shows

Saturday/Sunday 1/2 November: Blenheim Palace - daily shows

Séance de Lanterne Magique en Paris

Posted April 22nd, 2008

70e anniversaire de la FIAF,

Séance de lanterne magique,

Cinémathèque Française,

51, rue de Bercy Paris 12e,

25 avril 2008 @ 18 h

Superb Fan with Magic Lantern show illustrated is offered on ebay

Posted April 22nd, 2008

A rare French FAN circa 1900 was offered ecently on ebay.

Produced as publicity for a French restaurant (LA TAVERNE ROYALE) , it illustrates a magic lantern show with other images of clowns cooking in the kitchens. Measuring 8.8  x 12.4   inches , the fan was unsold.

Thanks to www.binetruy.org for permission to use their images.

Nice Pettibone Magic Lantern and Slides sells on ebay

Posted April 6th, 2008

A rare Pettibone lantern and slides sold recently on ebay. After some spirited bidding it finally went under the hammer at US$1814. The lantern had three slide holders, complete with images in good condition. Everything was housed in the original carte/carry case.

Thanks to auctions43 for permission to use their images.

Magic Lantern Exhibition at The Eastleigh Museum

Posted March 14th, 2008

The Eastleigh Museum, 25 High Street, Eastleigh, Hampshire (tel: 0845603635). will be featuring a display of Magic Lantern items from Society member Stan Roberts' collection. Running from March 25th to April 22nd, Tuesday to Saturdays, with FREE admission, the display will include a light box with a selection of lantern slides which will be changed at intervals during the exhibition.

New book announced on The Magic Lantern

Posted February 27th, 2008

German Publisher Fusslin Verlag has announced the availability of Society member Deac Rossell's new book "Laterna Magica - Magic Lantern Vol. 1"

With the help of many previously unknown pictures and texts, this first bilingual volume by Deac describes the history of the magic lantern up to the end of the 18th century.

The book is available through the Fusslin Verlag website.

Philip and Rosemary Banham Charity Show in Devon

Posted February 26th, 2008

Philip and Rosemary Banham will be presenting "A Magical Lantern Show with a Nautical Theme" accompanied by live music, in aid of the RNLI.

Venue: Bear Street Methodist Church, Barnstaple, Devon

Date: Friday 11 April 2008 @ 7.30pm

Tickets: £10 from 01271-342715 with all proceeds to the RNLI

The Warwickshire County Archive based at the Warwick Priory holds an extensive amount of local magic lantern and stereoscopic material under the section: "THE PHILIP BANHAM COLLECTION" which is now owned by the Archive after funding from the Victoria & Albert Museum and The King Henry VIII Charity.  This material can be viewed at the County Archive, where inspection is welcomed.  

Latest dates for The Travelling Light Magic Lantern Company

Posted February 9th, 2008

Future performance dates for The Travelling Light Magic Lantern Company shows:

Saturday, 9th. February, 2008 at the Parish Hall, Brent Knoll, Somerset, commencing 1930 hrs. This is a public show.

Saturday, 23rd. February, 2008 at The Masonic Hall, Boulevard, Weston-super-Mare, commencing 1930hrs. This is a charity evening for members only.

Tuesday, 11th. March, 2008 at Burnham-on-Sea Community Centre, Somerset, commencing 1930hrs.

Monday, 17th. March, 2008 at St. Andrews Church Hall, Burnham-on Sea, Somerset, commencing 1430hrs. A fund raiser for Arthritis Care.

Thursday, 3rd. April, 2008 at Kings of Wessex Leisure Centre, Cheddar, Somerset, commencing at 14.15hrs. This is for the Cheddar Valley U3A and the presentation will be our 'Optical Delusions' lecture with original lantern, slides and lecture notes used by the Merchant Venturers College, Bristol in 1910.

Ross Wheel of Life Slide Offered on ebay

Posted February 9th, 2008

A nice Ross "Wheel of Life" was offered recently on ebay. Dating from c.1870, it was complete and working with original glass image disc. Due to the rapidly rotating shutter disc, only one slot is necessary to create the illusion of motion when projected. The image disc rotates at a constant speed while the shutter disc spins much faster, eliminating distortion when viewed. The picture was of a "genie" popping out of a bottle top and dancing in the air.

The slide failed to meet its reserve when bidding reached US$1135

Thanks to W. Larson for permission to use his image

Victorian Magic Lantern Show Lyndhurst Friday 15 February

Posted January 28th, 2008

Stand Roberts announces a forthcoming event for The New Forest District Council:

"Chairman's Charity Dinner and Victorian Magic Lantern Show with charity auction"

The Crown Hotel, Lyndhurst, Friday 15 February 2008 6.30pm--11.30pm.

A Victorian Evening of Fun Fantasy,and Festivity

Tickets:£45 per person from Dianne 023 80285479

Nice French Optical Toy sells on ebay

January 27th, 2008

A superb boxed 19th century Enchanted Spy-Glass set, with two sets of day and night slides sold recently on ebay.

The spy glass viewer was made of Japanned tinplate and measured 6" long. It had a lens at one end and a hinged flap at the other. There was a slot for the slides and another hinged side hatch which opened to change the view from day to night. The two sets of 6 (12 in all) chromolithographic circular paper slides measured 80mm diameter and had pin pricks and coloured tissue backing. They were mounted in steel frames, and in their original packets tied with ribbon.

The packets both contained the manufacturer's A. Bouchet labels, with addresses at 52 George Street, Portman Square and 74 Bakers Street, plus hand-written lists in French (on the covers) and in English (on the inner flaps) as follows:

Packet 1(2nd Series) : Elysian Fields Paris, Boulevard of the Staliens, The Thames The Tunnel, Versailes Grand Fountain, Cathedral, Ruines.

Packet 2 (Series No 5): Temple of Peace Rome, Milan Cathedral, Burial Place Naples, Feast of Lanterns China, Tomb of Napoleon St. Helena, Tomb of Josephine Malmaison.

After some heated bidding the viewer sold for £647.

Thanks to grangestudios for permission to use their image.

Late Newton Ephemera on ebay

January 22th, 2008

A very late (1935) Newton & Co catalogue of Film Reels was offered recently on ebay. Offered together with two letters from Newton & Co to Basset-Lowke (the world famous manufacturer of model railway trains) the item received no bids.

Thanks to out-out-out for permission to use their image.

Phantasmagoria Lantern Sells on ebay

January 17th, 2008

An early Carpenter and Westley Phantasmagoria lantern sold recently on ebay. Although it appeared to be missing the lens, it was complete with original box and chimmney with makers label inside the box lid. With little interest shown the lantern sold for a mere £17.

Thanks to massies0 for permission to use their image.