by Wickhambrook History Society
Members of the History Society enjoyed an evening with Brian Norman and his Magic Lantern collection. Long before radio, film, tv and the internet, this way of showing pictures was very popular. In the 1600s, the pictures were shown using a hand held device and the content was usually scary. A more educational type of show with religious themes soon became the norm and by the time of the Victorians there were many , varied shows of images painted on glass and projected on to screens. The invention of limelight and arc lights and then the photographic slide made this an enduring form of entertainment.
Brian has a wonderful collection of machines and slides and the Rebus puzzles and cartoonish fun can still raise a laugh today. Members enjoyed talking to Brian about his collection after the talk and picture show.
The next meeting is on Tuesday 19th March when John Sutton, a very popular speaker, will talk on the Mews of Newmarket.