The Magic Lantern up Hill and down Dale
The magic lantern really took off across the world around this time. During the XVIIIth century, it was essentially optical quality and the source of light, which were going to improve. Roving showmen travelled from place to place and were received by the locals; sound mixed with pictures and was enhanced by a narrative, the music (barrel organ) and different sound effects.
Mystery plays, trivial and satirical subjects were most in demand. Many opticians were selling plates and lanterns from the second half of the century, when it even became “the evening pastime” at the royal court. Voltaire, in 1748, organising projections for his guests…
From 1800, the magic lantern operator was less crucial and his activity was seriously compromised by the industrialisation of the lantern and the great success of the toy lanterns. If the picture pedlars tended to disappear between 1870-1880, the professional exhibitors were increasingly organising quality shows up to the arrival of the cinema.
