Manx Radio 'Perspective Today' programme about the Victorian camera obscura
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Date(s): not before 2005
Creator(s): Manx Radio
Scope & Content: Roger Watterson talks to Ashley Pettit, Peter Kelly and James Fenton about the Victorian camera obscura, notably the Great Union Camera Obscura on Douglas Head in the Isle of Man. Opening music, ''The Isle of Man' sung by Charles Cain accompanied by Charles Guard on the piano.
Roger gives a brief history of the camera obscura, explains how it works and its popularity in Victorian times; Isle of Man camera obscuras one time at Port Soderick, Douglas Head and Onchan; loations of single lens camera obscura; Great Union Camera Obscura in Douglas with 11 lenses is unique and its recent extensive refurbishment operated by volunteers of the Isle of Man Victorian Society.
Studio guests Ashley Pettit, architect, Peter Kelly of the Isle of Man Victorian Society and James Fenton who formerly ran the Fenton Photographic Museum. Peter Kelly talks about first obscura built in 1887 at Douglas Head by Mr Hicks, close to the funfair and Douglas Head Hotel; describes how it worked and that Hicks lived in the structure and left a paraffin lamp burning which set fire to it and it burnt down; first one was at Liverpool, discussion of press coverage and availability of plans; Douglas Great Union Camera Obscura (DGUCO) was designed by its owner who patented the design; description of construction and materials; Mr Wilson's science museum in Onchan, tower remained until 1972; second DGUCO was built near Battery Pier owned by James Fielding who built another one at Douglas Head and patented it in 1891, describes interior.
James Fenton describes expense of building and operation of 12 lens obscura, simple miniscus lenses were possibly not as expensive as people may think; comparison to modern camera lenses; colour pictures were a novelty; scientific usues of some camera obcuras, astronomy; discussion about Aberystwyth Camera Obscura; each obscura was unique and had to be built to fit the site and revolving turret.
Ashley Pettit describes state of old obscura in Douglas when he first saw it and the first task of repairing the under structure; trying to decide what was original using early pictures; by turn of century had been converted to 11 lenses which made it easier for operator and improved through flow of visitors; finding a way of making a semi-temporary structure survive; describes original building techniques and materials and restoration process; says that whole roof structure is original; all lens housings had to be renewed; nylon pulleys replaced metal; original patent has some drawings and they had a set of drawings and produced some with Bournemouth University; how they used paint samples from structure to decide colours used in restoration; discussion of Victorian use of colours in postcards; many postcards survive with views of DGUCO; cost of restoration; discussion of visitor reaction to restoration especially children; uniqueness of design; from TT onwards visitors from outside the Isle of Man increased; opening days and times.
Language: English
Extent: 27 min. 35 sec.
Collection: Sound Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: SA 2019-0137/13
Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.
Subject tags : #UOSH