The Kinora
Optical Toy
1885-1910 (manufactured)
1885-1910 (manufactured)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
A Kinora, is in effect a giant flicker book. Many photographs are bound together on the reel, each one slightly different. When the handle is turned the images flick over and, seen in rapid succession, give the impression of a moving picture. This is the effect of the phenomenon known as 'persistence of vision', whereby the eye briefly retains the memory of an image. Kinora reels have about 600 pictures and turning at a speed of about 10 pictures per second, they last about a minute. The Kinora was one of the domestic versions of the mutascope a paying device usually found in amusement arcades and on seaside piers at the beginning of the twentieth century. These are sometimes known as 'What the Butler Saw' machines.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Kinora (manufacturer's title) |
| Materials and techniques | Wood, metal and glass |
| Brief description | Wood and metal Kinora viewing device made in England between 1885 and 1910 |
| Physical description | A shaped rectangular base of polished wood with inlaid decoration. Hinged at one end is a wooden arm to which is mounted a metal viewer with two glass lenses. The metal is embossed with the words The Kinora and is decorated with stylised flowers. The wooden arm can be propped up and there is an attachment for a circular reel of photographs. There is a handle to the side which when turned flicks the photographs. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production type | Mass produced |
| Marks and inscriptions | The Kinora patented throughout the world Bond's Ltd 138 New Bond Street (Embossed on a circular metal disc on the hinged arm) |
| Summary | A Kinora, is in effect a giant flicker book. Many photographs are bound together on the reel, each one slightly different. When the handle is turned the images flick over and, seen in rapid succession, give the impression of a moving picture. This is the effect of the phenomenon known as 'persistence of vision', whereby the eye briefly retains the memory of an image. Kinora reels have about 600 pictures and turning at a speed of about 10 pictures per second, they last about a minute. The Kinora was one of the domestic versions of the mutascope a paying device usually found in amusement arcades and on seaside piers at the beginning of the twentieth century. These are sometimes known as 'What the Butler Saw' machines. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | MISC.8-1983 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | December 3, 2004 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
