Who invented kaleidoscopes

David Brewster actually did not see much in way of financial success from this invention as other inventors were aggressive in mass producing this new art form. Sir David Brewster was instrumental in many light and optical advances including a lens design for lighthouses and in He made advances in Stereoscope designs.

Kaleidoscopes became very popular during the Victorian age as a parlor diversion. Charles Bush was a very popular United States kaleidoscope maker during the s for his parlor kaleidoscope.

He patent his idea in and to this day collectors search for this particular kaleidoscope. These were made with a round base and a rarer 4 footed version. Many of the baby boomers remember receiving a toy kaleidoscope as a kid. It was not until the late s that a renaissance in Kaleidoscope artistry began.

In his work A Treatise on the Kaleidoscope Brewster explained the physical principles that he had investigated and that had led him to his invention and also gave informations about the construction and applications of the kaleidoscope. As the kaleidoscope became known to a wider public, it proved to be a massive success.

There was a great demand in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States with many thousands of kaleidoscopes sold in a few months. The first is our Giant Kaleidosphere, which uses mirrors, lights and coloured patters to created continually changing and engaging patterns and shapes. Our Kaleido-Draw on the 4th floor lets you control the fun to create your own unique, symmetrical patterns.

Make sure to look through the Fibre Optic Kaleidoscope on the 5th floor. This triangular shaped kaleidoscope is unusual as uses a fibre optic light source with a rotating coloured disc to form the changing colours and patterns. Kaleidoscopes at home Why not try and make your own kaleidoscope at home? With just a cardboard tube, some tinfoil, and coloured beads you can DIY. Share via:. Previous Burns Night In