Polygraph
ca. 1886-90 (made)
| Artist/Maker |
Object Type
This object, made from brass, is a circular metal template used as an aid to making scale drawings and various geometric shapes. The measurements are die-stamped on the diameter and circumference, along with details of patents (a government grant of exclusive privilege for the making or selling of a new invention).
People
The polygraph was an American invention patented by the Polygraph Company, Philadelphia, USA, on 8 December 1885. A licence was granted the following year to George Delgado for the manufacturing of the polygraph in Europe.
Ownership & Use
The polygraph was advertised by the manufacturers as 'A Revolution in Drawing' and was aimed at designers, decorators, draughtsmen, architects, engineers and artisans. It was also described as an invention by which schoolchildren and even 'a child of few years' could 'produce drawings, which formerly required long months of study and preparation'. The polygraph offers an element of surprise in the unpredictable patterns it creates. It also helps to produce an evenness and regularity when producing the pattern that would be difficult to achieve freehand. The circular metal template was accompanied by a set of instructions and a sheet of examples showing the type of designs that could be produced with the instrument.
This object, made from brass, is a circular metal template used as an aid to making scale drawings and various geometric shapes. The measurements are die-stamped on the diameter and circumference, along with details of patents (a government grant of exclusive privilege for the making or selling of a new invention).
People
The polygraph was an American invention patented by the Polygraph Company, Philadelphia, USA, on 8 December 1885. A licence was granted the following year to George Delgado for the manufacturing of the polygraph in Europe.
Ownership & Use
The polygraph was advertised by the manufacturers as 'A Revolution in Drawing' and was aimed at designers, decorators, draughtsmen, architects, engineers and artisans. It was also described as an invention by which schoolchildren and even 'a child of few years' could 'produce drawings, which formerly required long months of study and preparation'. The polygraph offers an element of surprise in the unpredictable patterns it creates. It also helps to produce an evenness and regularity when producing the pattern that would be difficult to achieve freehand. The circular metal template was accompanied by a set of instructions and a sheet of examples showing the type of designs that could be produced with the instrument.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Brass |
| Brief description | Delgado's Polygraph with replica instructions, ca. 1886 |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Delgado's Polygraph was a Victorian drawing tool used to create patterns. It was marketed as an aid to help children develop drawing skills and as being of 'practical benefit to designers'. A replica polygraph is in a box to your left.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Given by Alan Delgado and his sister Mrs M. B. Finzi, children of the licensee |
| Object history | patented by the Polygraph Co., Philadelphia, USA Made in England under licence by George Delgado; |
| Summary | Object Type This object, made from brass, is a circular metal template used as an aid to making scale drawings and various geometric shapes. The measurements are die-stamped on the diameter and circumference, along with details of patents (a government grant of exclusive privilege for the making or selling of a new invention). People The polygraph was an American invention patented by the Polygraph Company, Philadelphia, USA, on 8 December 1885. A licence was granted the following year to George Delgado for the manufacturing of the polygraph in Europe. Ownership & Use The polygraph was advertised by the manufacturers as 'A Revolution in Drawing' and was aimed at designers, decorators, draughtsmen, architects, engineers and artisans. It was also described as an invention by which schoolchildren and even 'a child of few years' could 'produce drawings, which formerly required long months of study and preparation'. The polygraph offers an element of surprise in the unpredictable patterns it creates. It also helps to produce an evenness and regularity when producing the pattern that would be difficult to achieve freehand. The circular metal template was accompanied by a set of instructions and a sheet of examples showing the type of designs that could be produced with the instrument. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.1556-1976 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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