Located in the A-Z of History Gallery (Children's Gallery)
The Magic Lantern was a popular Victorian device which illuminated pictures in a sequential order to give them impression of moving pictures. They were often rented out by photographers or opticians alongside a lanternist. The shows would usually be accompanied by sound effects and narration to bring the story to life. The magic lanterns were not without risk, as although they were initially illuminated by candles, later minerals and chemicals were burned instead which gave a stronger light, but a higher risk of poisonous gases and even explosions.