The story of stereoscopy and the Victorian fascination with 3D photographs

The craze for Stereoscopy swept through Victorian society, becoming one of the most popular forms of home entertainment. This video gives a brief overview of stereoscopy and stereo photography in the Victorian age. It’s a story that starts right here in the City of Westminster.

For anyone who would like to experience stereo viewing for themselves, the video ends with some tips to get you started.

Follow the links below to find out more.

To experience stereoviewing for yourself:

The London Stereoscopic Company book shop

New York Public Library - Stereogranimator

Andrew Brooks - video tutorial: How to view 3D Stereoscopic films and images - A guide to freeviewing parallel stereoscopic art

Andrew Brooks - Artist Photographer

Talks about Victorian stereoscopy:

The 19th Century Craze for Stereoscopic Photography - Professor Ian Christie

Photography: A Victorian Sensation
Denis Pellerin, photo historian, talks about the development of the lenticular stereoscope and Jules Duboscq's stereo-daguerreotypes.

The Royal Society blogs about the history of stereoscopy:

180 years of 3D
Virginia Mills looks back at the invention of the stereoscope and the rival claims of two Royal Society Fellows, Charles Wheatstone and David Brewster.

Shooting the Victorian Moon
Historian of photography Rose Teanby marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing by looking back at some pioneering images of the Moon from the Victorian era.

To find out much more and connect with stereo enthusiasts:

The London Stereoscopic Company website

The Stereoscopic Society
For those interested in viewing or taking photographs or making videos in 3-Dimensions, the website has lots of useful information and advice for enthusiasts.

Watch this video to find out more about the Stereoscopic Society

About us at Westminster Libraries and Archives:

We regularly hold events, talks and workshops for adults and children. Find out what’s on using our Eventbrite page.

For more information about us, please visit our libraries page.

[beldengi]

My copy of The Poor Man's Picture Gallery arrived yesterday. My first taste of stereography. The book has to be read alongside the pictures to get the complete satisfaction from the investment. I am hooked on the art now.