Not currently on display at the V&A

Solids in Space

Optical Toy
ca. 1870 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
A. N. Myers & Co (publisher)
Place of origin
England (manufactured)

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
Access_to_Images 2003
Dolls & Toys
Children & Childhood
Object type
Optical toy
Parts
This object consists of 5 parts.

  • Stereograph With Box and Parts
  • Box Lid
  • Box Base
  • Accessories
  • Accessories
TitleSolids 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
  • Cylinder diameter: 5.6cm
  • Paper discs diameter: 8.4cm
Production typeMass 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
Young V&A Collection
Accession number
E.329-1970

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 Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis.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

Record createdMarch 5, 2004
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O96314/solids-in-space-optical-toy-a-n-myers/
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest