The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (January 1891)

Tho Optical Magic Lantern Journsl and Photographio Enlarger. | 79 Microscopical and Natural History Club was recently held in the Public Halls, Croydon. The attendance was large. Among the photographs of special interest were some taken by Mr. Weir Brown with a hand camera of his own construction. illustrating some fine effects in Epping Forest and Dolgelly. Mr. Hirst, an amateur of twelve months, had some good hand.camera work. A series of fine views of condemned parts of Croydon were shown by Mr. Low Sarjeant, who also exhibited lantern transparencies from the same negative. Some 12x10 of both the interior and exterior of Old Palace, Croydon, by Mr. C. M. Major, marine and other views by Mr. Russell; and some pretty river scenes by Mr. Gower. A fine “ sunset’’ was shown by Mr. McKean. Mr. Straker, amongst several views, had one of a curious chimney-corner. An artistic group of three taken by Mr. Corden was very prominent. Mr. Allen, who makes a special study of animals, exhibited some interesting pictures of thoroughbreds from Marden Park Stables, and some transparencies of Highland cattle. Interiors of Smallfield Place, Burstow, including a handsome staircase, were shown by Mr. East Mr. Brooks had a number of fine transparencies displayed on the tables, including interiors of Windsor Castle, and Mr. Oakley exhibited transparencies on Thomas's plates, which vied favourably with those of Mr. Brooks. Some good general exhibits were shown by Messrs Wylde, Stunt, Sparrow, Baldock, Barber, Purser, Hovenden, Collier, Carter, Gower, and Goddard. At intervals, under the able manipulation of Mr. W. Brooks, three lantern exhibitions were given in the Upper Hall, and so great was the interest shown that even standing room was impossible after the exhibition had commenced. Many of the slides were the work of Mr. Brooks and other members. DEVON AND CORNWALL CAMERA CLub.—The opening meeting of the society’s winter session was held at the club rooms. the Athenzeum, Plymouth, on the 8th Dec. Mr. Murray, vice-president, occupied the chair. A letter was read from Mrs. Mildmay, thanking the clubs for the presentation album of views of Flete. A large number of lantern slides by various members of the clubs were exhibited, the contributors being Messrs. Aldridge, Carnell, Micklewood, Murray. Tweedy, Weekes, and Worth. When the supply of slides was nearly exhausted the limelight failed, and the oxygen bottle was found to have been emptied. LANTERN SOCIETY.—At a special general meeting held on December 8th, it was resolved that the entrance fee should be abolished, and members joining now are liable only for the subscription. At the ordinary meeting held on the same night. a paper was read by Mr. J. G. Grenfell, F.R.M.S., on* Means of Protection amongst Animals.” The paper, which was illustrated by about 50 slides, was of great interest, the lecturer describing the various means adopted by animals for their protection in the great struggle for the survival of the fittest, some of the methods employed being of a remarkable description. On Dec. 22 Mr. C. E. Gladstone gave an interesting lecture on “ Architecture in Normandy and Brittany.” The slides shown (70) were made from the lecturer's own 12 by 10 negatives, taken on stripping films in a roll holder during last summer. They comprised views of ecclesiastical and domestic architecture in Normandy and Brittany, and the lecturer pointed out the characteristic marks of the various styles, and also: the differences existing between French and English architecture in the corresponding styles. The following are the arrangements of the society for the first part of the year:—Jan. 12th, E. M. Nelson, Esq., F-R.M.S., on “ The Lantern and its Relation to Photography and the Microscope.” Jan. 26th, C. Harrison, Esq., on “ The Civilisation of Egypt and Assyria, as illustrated by its Physical Remains and Records.’ Feb. gth, J. Traill Taylor, Esq., on “Lenses and Condensers for Lantern work.” Feb. 23rd, exhibition of lantern slides for members and their friends. LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE PHOTOGRAPHIC’ SocteTy.—On 26th Nov. a conversazione was held by the members of this society at the Co-operative Hall, High Street, and was weil attended ; the members: are to be congratulated on the thorough success of their undertaking. Several of the members showed selections from their work, which, taken as a whole, formed avery interesting and artistic exhibition of the various branches of photography. During the evening a lecture was given by Mr. Walter D. Welford, on “ Hand camera work,” illustrated by a large number of slides from instantaneous exposures on almost every kind of moving object. The views were of a novel character, and illustrated every form of hand camera work. They were shown by a powerful biunial oxy-hydrogen lantern worked by Mr. Pierpoint. Refreshments were provided, and selections of music given by aselect band. The arrangements were in the hands of Messrs. G. Bankart, F. G. Pierpoint, J. Porritt and H. Pickering (hon. sec.), to whom the success of the evening was in a large measure due. NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE AND NORTHERN COUNTIES PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.—The ordinary monthly meeting was held in the Mosley Street Café, Newcastle, on Tuesday, the gth December, Mr.lJ. P. Gibson in the chair. Five new members were elected. The optical lantern which has been subscribed for by the members was in operation for the first time, and over 250 slides by various gentlemen put through. The lantern, which was operated by Messrs. Ridgway and Pratt, gave great satisfaction to the large number of members present. Nominations for officers for the current year were received, and the election will take place at the annual meeting in January next. SHEFFIELD AND DrSTRICr OPTICAL LANTERN SocIETY.—The usual monthly meeting was held in St. Paul's schoolroom on Nov. 19th under the presidency of Dr. Manton. Mr. H. Stamforth, the vicepresident, gave a short lecture on the “ Manipulation of the Optical Lantern.” After describing the manipulation of the oil light, Mr. Stamforth went on to describe the blow-through and mixed jet, using for his experiments a magnificent triple lantern of his own manufacture, fitted with his new patent jet holder and regulator, which is extremely simple in its action for centreing the light and was much admired by the members. Amongst the slides exhibited during the evening were those of the competitors for a prize offered by the President. The competition was decided by voting, Mr. Woolhouse gaining the prize.