Stereoscopy: The Dawn of 3-D. Brian May and Denis Pellerin

Exploring the phenomenon which entranced Victorian society

Peering into a small, magical box an eager new audience in the 1850s was transported into another dimension. Stereoscopic 3D images allowed them to experience the wonders of the world without ever leaving their fireside, see the heroes of the day in realistic detail, enjoy sentimental scenes or watch the construction of Brunel’s Great Eastern ship on the banks of the Thames. Millions of images were published and voraciously consumed by the public in just a few glorious years.

Join two of the world’s leading authorities on this early form of virtual reality, Brian May and Denis Pellerin, on the publication of their major new book, Stereoscopy: the Dawn of 3-D.

Brian and Denis reveal some of the highlights of this extraordinary scientific, artistic and social revolution in this special event, transmitted live from the beautiful chapel at King’s College London. The stereoscope was first demonstrated in 1838 by Charles Wheatstone, inventor and Professor of Experimental Philosophy at King's College, which is now the home of his remarkable archive.

Images will be viewable on screen in 3D using a viewer, or are fully accessible without. You may order a Brian’s self-designed OWL stereoscopic viewer in advance at 25% using code lscowls from the London Stereoscopic Company online shop. Please order no later than 25 October for UK orders or 10 October for non-UK orders.

You will be able to submit online questions live to our speakers on the night. Q&A moderated by Kelly Wilder, Professor of Photographic History at DeMontfort University, Leicester.