These two talks discuss the dangers and beauty of Victorian Stereoscopic cards. They are aimed mostly at curators, archivists and collectors of stereoscopic cards but the general public is most welcome to join us.
TALK 1 at 1500 (BST). Toxicity in 3-D: Arsenic and the Hidden Dangers of Stereoscopic Cards
In this presentation, Kim Bell and Robin Canham will delve into the startling discovery of arsenic in the cardboard backing of 19th-century stereoscopic cards — an overlooked hazard in both institutional and private collections. Drawing on their ongoing research, they will explore how vibrant green pigments in the card mounts, often used to enhance the appeal of stereographs, were frequently made with arsenic-based compounds such as Paris green.
They will discuss the methods used to identify toxic materials in historical photographic media, the scope of the problem in Canadian collections, and the potential risks for those handling these materials without proper precautions. Importantly, they will offer practical guidance for safely storing, labeling, and accessing arsenical stereoscopic cards, and outline strategies for institutions and collectors to responsibly manage these materials while preserving their cultural and research value.
Kim is from the W. D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections, Queens University, Kingston, Canada. Robin is from the Conservation Department, Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Regina, Canada.
TALK 2 (in 3-D) at 1540 (BST) Arsenic and Old Lace: the potential Dangers but unmatched Pleasures of Victorian Stereographs
In this 3-D presentation photo historian Denis Pellerin, from the Brian May Archive of Stereoscopy, will show that although some stereoscopic card mounts may be potentially hazardous, nothing can replace the wealth of information and the huge variety of topics – a lot of which were never photographed in other formats – these cards from the Victorian era hold on their relatively small surfaces.
With the help of simple precautions and by encouraging digital use of what constitutes an amazing, comprehensive and unique encyclopedia of the nineteenth century, Denis will try and demonstrate that institutions and collectors should embrace the risks that may exist and choose from a wide variety of display methods to share these incredible images with the public. Nothing can draw a person into an image and hold them there in the way a stereoscopic image viewed in 3-D can. Isolated from your surroundings, you literally step into the picture and explore the scene as if you were actually there. There is no better magic carpet or time machine than a stereoscope and a set of cards, and there are no more risks from the armchair time and space traveller than there are travelling by plane or driving a car, while the rewards are unparalleled.
All the images in the second presentation will be shown side-by-side and can be seen stereoscopically. To enjoy the 3-D experience you either need:
- a lorgnette-type viewer (like the Lite and Steampunk Owls, sold by the London Stereoscopic Company – https://shop.londonstereo.com – or any other similar model) if you are watching on your smartphone.
- a mirror or prism viewer (see Steve Berezin’s website: https://www.berezin.com/3d/viewers1.htm) if you are watching the presentation on a larger display: tablet, computer or TV set.
Details and booking here
These two talks are part of Stereoscopic Day. See all events for 21 June here.
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