Solids in Space
Optical Toy
ca. 1870 (manufactured)
ca. 1870 (manufactured)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Optical toys were very popular in the 19th century. Many were used as family entertainment. They were seen to be both educational and fun, and were given scientific names, often derived from Greek. This stereograph works by blowing air through a rubber tube into a hollow cylinder. This turns a metal platform on which is placed a metal shape. This piece is designed so that when it turns fast you see a recognisable solid shape.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 5 parts.
|
| Title | Solids in Space (manufacturer's title) |
| Materials and techniques | Shaped metal, hand-coloured paper and rubber |
| Brief description | Metal stereograph made in England by A N Myers in about 1870 |
| Physical description | Hollow metal cylinder with a brass circular rotating platform on top which has a central spike. Sixteen coloured metal shapes and thirty-four coloured paper discs. Rubber tube with attaches to the cylinder. All housed in a card box with a label. |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Mass produced |
| Production | Patented by John Gorham |
| Summary | Optical toys were very popular in the 19th century. Many were used as family entertainment. They were seen to be both educational and fun, and were given scientific names, often derived from Greek. This stereograph works by blowing air through a rubber tube into a hollow cylinder. This turns a metal platform on which is placed a metal shape. This piece is designed so that when it turns fast you see a recognisable solid shape. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.329-1970 |
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| Record created | March 5, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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