Skip to content

Magic Lanterns – The Beginnings of Projection

We think of projection as a modern phenomenon with our PowerPoints, IMAX theaters, and projection mapping. However, the history of projection goes a long, long way back.  The British Film Institute put together this lovely video describing the impact of magic laterns on modern cinema.

The story starts with magic lanterns, the early predecessors to video projectors. Magic lanterns were effectively slide projectors used to amuse, entertain and enchant audiences. The first magic lanterns simply projected a painted image, through optics, illuminated by a candle or oil lamp. Their invention dates back to 1650, when a Duch physicist, Christiaan Huygens, took a break from inventing telescopes to create a device intented to bemuse and entertain.

magiclantern 7

[via The Magic Lantern Society]

 For a more recent history of projection mapping, see here.