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Subiaco Museum > Records

PHOTOGRAPHS: STEREOSCOPIC CARDS AND WOODEN BOX

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c. 1900

Subcollections

Overview

Box stored in Tray 1

Historical information

See 2005.1 -needs data entry linked

A Brief History of the Stereoscope

Virtual reality has been with us for a long time. One of the earliest tools was the stereoscope. People could look through two eyepieces at two photos taken at slightly different angles to see a three-dimensional image for the first time. Adults and children were able to travel to interesting places from the comfort of their homes and classrooms.

The earliest stereoscope has been attributed to Sir Charles Wheatstone as well as to David Brewster. Both worked in the early 1800s. Stereoscopes were also called stereo viewers. They quickly became the most popular forms of entertainment for middle- and upper-class families during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Oliver Wendell Holmes invented an updated, hand-held version of the stereoscope which then became the favorite for home and classroom use from 1881 to 1939.

Details

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-43-2005.2a-b

Item type

Material

Photographic Paper

Inscriptions and markings

No maker's mark on box.

Keywords

Hamilton Street, Subiaco

Statement Of Significance Required

Year

Statement of significance

Historical significance - cultural, social history. Example of English tradition, transferred to Australia, indicated by subject matter of cards.

Last modified

Monday, 30 June, 2025

Completeness

94

Subiaco Museum

Subiaco Museum

Organisation Details
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