How do you cage a bird? With a thaumatrope, an optical toy that binds a disc to lengths of string. Illustrated on each side of the disc are distinct images that become one when you pull the string and the thaumatrope spins. The first known thaumatrope was invented by John Ayrton Paris in 1824, when he used it to demonstrate his theory of ‘persistence of vision’ to London’s Royal College of Physicians.
Collection
Not in ACMI's collection
Previously on display
23 June 2023
ACMI: Gallery 1
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
P186614
Curatorial section
The Story of the Moving Image → Moving Pictures → MI-02. Play and Illusion → MI-02-C02
Measurements
73 x 70mm
Object Types
2D Object
Exhibition Prop
Optical Toy
Materials
Graphic for production purposes, facsimile for label