Magic lantern - Effect slides

Effect slides

There is a small but important distinction of definition between dissolving views and effect slides. Dissolving views, as the name implies, dissolve into each other. For this effect we need two lanterns, or a double- or triple-lantern because there are at least two pictures to display at the same time to achieve the gradual changeover; for example one slide depicting a landscape in summer, the other the same landscape in winter. The pictures are broadly speaking the same. They overlap each other completely.

Effect slides however superimpose a special effect over a scene. Popular effects include rainbows, dreams and visions, fires, and angelic or ghostly apparitions. Well-known effect slide sets are 'A soldiers dream' were a wounded soldier at the front is dreaming of his beloved family at home, and 'Tower of London on Fire'. Also some Life Model slide sets make use of those effects. When Jane Conquest is praying for strength and inspiration, an angel appears in her cottage room. The two or more slides that we use for such an effect are quite different. We distinguish a slide with the scene, e.g. the battlefield with the sleeping soldier, and the slide with the object that has to be superimposed, in this case the dream.

+ =
Set of effect slides of 'The Sculptor's Dream'. Framed in mahogany, c. late 19thC. Size: 7 x 4 x 3/8"; Glass: 3" diameter.

A very good set of effect slides 'The Cross', fitted in wooden frames measuring 7" x 4 1/2" (18 x 11.5 cm). Marie Magdalene and Christ crucified. (Please be patient - Animations need some time to be loaded.)

Very large effect set (29.2 x 24.5 cm !). Set of two hand painted magic lantern effect slides in mahogany frames showing a polar expedition, complete with some natural phenomena, like St. Elmusfire. The picture is painted on a glass panel, which is framed together with another panel that protects the painted side. The second slide is made the same way but it additional has a hinged tin panel, painted black, which is used to either cover the top or bottom half of the slide. The effect is shown on the pictures below. Photos: ©Pierre Patau, antiquetoysandgames.com.


'Babes in the Wood'. Marvellous effect set. Two little children lose their way in the wood. At nightfall they find a place to sleep, close together to protect each other against the dreadful cold. When they are asleep suddenly an angel appears. It is sent by their dead mother from heaven. The angel covers the children tenderly up with a blanket.