Family Heirlooms

Magic Lanterns c. 16th - 18th Centuries

The earliest form of modern film and video projectors were Magic Lanterns. During the early 16th century, pictures were painted on glass and projected through a series of lenses to create larger images. The only sources of light at the time, other than sunlight, were candles and oil lamps. Initially only aristocrats and scholars could afford the novelty projectors. The projectors were initially known as “Laterna Magica”. By the early 18th century, traveling lantern operators became a common occurrence in towns and villages and brought this new form of entertainment to the general public.

Wedding Dress June 25, 1811. Marrying in white was not yet customary at the time. Brides generally wore light blue, pale yellow, or pink gowns with or without a train.

Lid painting attributed to Dirk Stoop (1650). Touch determines the dynamics of the clavichord, an instrument known in the 14th century. Clavichords were used at home and for teaching. By the 18th century concerts were given on larger instruments. The striking action and the case shape inspired the makers of the first square pianos.