Girona Cosmorama

Girona Museum of Cinema #GM-3425

Spain ca. 1860

Dimensions open: H=228.5 cm, W=299 cm, D=119 Closed: H=204.5 cm, W=119 cm, D=100

Lens: ⌀=13.7 cm, ƒ=77.7 cm

 

Figure GM-3425.1 –Girona Cosmorama
Photo © Rod Bantjes.

This is the only cosmorama known to have survived. It is a viewing-booth with lenses meant to enhance the 3D effect of print images called vues d'optique. It is an example of an “optical machine ” and is included in the Optical Machine Taxonomy as a member of the genus of Outdoor Cosmorama of the Cosmorama Family.

 

This was a touring cosmorama carried from place to place and set up in fairs alongside other amusements. There are images of similar cosmoramas on display in circus tents in the late 19^th century. The viewing-wall of this one is made of canvas stretched over wooden frames. It disassembles into three sections held together by blacksmith-made hooks. Behind each lens is a stand to hold an image. While the components are lightweight and designed for disassembly, all together they would have been unwieldy and difficult to transport especially if a tent were part of the assembly.

 

Raree Shows could be carried on the showman's back or in a handcart; this would have required something much larger with a draught-animal to pull it. Some cosmorams travelled at some expense by canal-boat, train and steamboat. Perhaps this did as well, but another possibility is a large horse-drawn caravan with living accommodations like the Roma used – cheaper because it would have saved the cost of lodgings.

 

A surprising feature of this cosmorama is that was used with standard-sized vues d'optique.

 

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