In a bygone era, before the invention of cinema, different types of moving and projected images were the height of sophistication for an evening’s entertainment.

And the Christmas period was particularly popular for visual extravaganza, whether it was family gathered together to view 3D images through the stereoscope, a magic lantern show given to local schoolchildren, or the seasonal treat of going to see a gigantic panorama on a huge scroll of canvas depicting adventurous voyages and glorious battles.

The true extent and impact of these shows in cities, towns and villages across the South West region has been documented by the University of Exeter. A three year research project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, has explored the weird and wonderful variety of visual entertainment before cinema began.

The project focused on Exeter, Bristol and Plymouth, as well as the coastal resorts of Torquay, Weston-Super-Mare, Penzance, Barnstaple and Sidmouth. Using these places the project shows how there was an industry of visual entertainment before the South West enthusiastically embraced the cinema after its introduction in 1896.

There was always fun to be had at the ‘pictures’ according to English lecturers Dr Joe Kember and Dr John Plunkett, who led the project. Dr Kember said, ’What we have found is a veritable treasure chest of exhibitions, demonstrating the extent to which there was a thriving industry across the South West of touring and locally produced shows.’

Many of the shows and exhibitions reflected the spirit of Empire with shows, providing visual travelogues across India and Africa which appealed to the people in the region as places like Plymouth were seen as the pathway to the Great British Empire, via the port.

The research shows that political groups also used visual entertainment to give credence and draw attention to their messages. The Temperance Society was one of the most prolific, using slides to illustrate the evils of drink and its consequences. Educational groups and missionaries also used popular shows to inform and instruct their audiences. 

The festive season provided a especially wide range of visual treats, Dr Plunkett explains, ‘As well as going out to see a touring panorama or pantomime, there were numerous local magic lantern exhibitors who could be hired to come to your house and give a private show for your family and friends, or children might even make their own shadow show to perform’. 

For more information, see the project website at the University of Exeter.  

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Notes to editors
 
Media Contact: Emi Spinner, AHRC Communications Officer; T: 01793 41 6020,  E: e.spinner@ahrc.ac.uk   
 
 
Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC): Each year the AHRC provides approximately £112 million from the Government to support research and postgraduate study in the arts and humanities, from languages and law, archaeology and English literature to design and creative and performing arts. In any one year, the AHRC makes approximately 700 research awards and around 1,350 postgraduate awards. Awards are made after a rigorous peer review process, to ensure that only applications of the highest quality are funded. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits but also contributes to the economic success of the UK.