Magic Lantern, 1920, England

Despite its antique origins, this appliance became more popular between 1890 and 1930. The Magic Lantern was used to project images painted on glass. The first models used a light source generated by a wax candle or oil lamp.

This optical instrument was exclusively for the well off and had very precious handmade applications, like the polychrome plates that were essential for projecting the pictures.

This is why the Magic Lantern was used for public shows and only in 1930 was it replaced by the more modern slide projector. This Magic Lantern has around 500 hand painted original polychrome plates, some by very famous artists.