Stereoscopy

An Introduction to Victorian Stereo Photography

Following its presentation to the world at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, the stereoscope – a device that makes images appear 3D – mesmerised Victorians. Collecting and viewing stereo photographs became a craze.

Stereoscopes were produced in different price ranges, thousands of stereo images were printed and bought each year, and one company involved in this boom, The London Stereoscopic Company, proclaimed: ‘No home without a stereoscope.’

Explore the origins of the stereoscope and stereo photography

‘Stereoscopy’ derives from the Greek ‘stereos’ meaning ‘firm’ or ‘solid’ and ‘skopeō’ meaning ‘to look’ or ‘to see’. So together, they mean ‘seeing something firm or solid’.

On this free online course, we will examine the rise of stereo photography and the work of two pioneering photographers – the Scotsman, George Washington Wilson, and the Englishman, Thomas Richard Williams.

We will explore how the stereoscope, originally created by inventor Sir Charles Wheatstone to investigate human binocular vision, was improved by scientist Sir David Brewster, to become a vital, elaborate drawing room essential.

Enjoy stereo photography from National Museums Scotland collection

To enjoy stereo photography, you usually need a stereoscope or stereo viewer, but you can enjoy this course without one.

It has been developed following the major exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland in 2015, Photography: A Victorian Sensation, and many of the images you will explore in this course are drawn from the National Museums Scotland collection.

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Reviews summary

Introduction to victorian stereo photography

According to learners, this course provides a fascinating introduction to the world of Victorian stereoscopy. Students praise the rich historical context and the opportunity to explore the captivating collection of stereo images from the National Museums Scotland. Many found the course accessible and engaging, making complex historical and optical concepts easy to understand, even with no prior knowledge. The lectures are described as clear and well-presented. While the course focuses primarily on the history and cultural phenomenon, some learners noted that it offers limited technical detail on the photography methods themselves, which is worth considering depending on your interests. Overall, it is seen as a great starting point for anyone curious about early 3D photography.

Concentrates on history, less on practical details.

"While great on history, I was hoping for a bit more on *how* the photos were technically created."

"It's more about the cultural history than the photographic techniques themselves."

"Doesn't really delve into the technical aspects of optics or creating stereo images today."

"If you want to learn about shooting stereo photos, this isn't the course for that."

Easy to follow, even without prior knowledge.

"As a complete beginner, I found this introduction perfect and easy to grasp."

"No prior knowledge needed, the explanations are clear and concise."

"The course does a great job of making a potentially complex topic very approachable."

"Ideal for anyone new to the history of photography or optics."

Features beautiful and historically significant images.

"The highlight for me was definitely seeing the images from the museum's collection."

"The stereo photos were incredible and really brought the subject matter to life."

"I appreciated the chance to view high-quality examples of Victorian stereography."

"The visual content was simply superb and engaging throughout the course."

Provides a deep dive into stereoscopy's past.

"The historical overview is absolutely fascinating and well-researched."

"I loved learning about the cultural significance and the 'craze' aspect in Victorian times."

"The course gave me an excellent understanding of how stereoscopy evolved and its place in history."

"Felt like I travelled back in time learning about this niche piece of photographic history."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Stereoscopy: An Introduction to Victorian Stereo Photography. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

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Learners who complete Stereoscopy: An Introduction to Victorian Stereo Photography will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers: