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Roscommon Stereoscopic Views. Jean Francois Antoine Claudet (1797-1867) patented the stereoscope in 1853. Stereoview photography became a Victorian era craze when the Queen was presented with a stereoscope and thus began a huge trade in stereoscopes and stereoview images. The largest salesmen of stereoscopic cards in England was George Nottage of London whose catalogue listed over one hundred thousand views for the public to purchase. American Oliver Wendell Holmes is credited with inventing the first handheld stereograph viewer in 1859. Millions of these were sold to the public after Joseph Bates of Boston, Massachusetts made some simple improvements and manufactured them commercially in the United States. The public became enamoured with the new fad, and the rest, as they say, is history! Stereoview photographs are taken by a camera with two lenses, which takes two separate photos about 2.5 " apart. The photos appear identical, but in fact are both slightly different. When viewed in the stereoviewer the two views become one and the brain perceives the image in 3-D.
A stereotype photograph by Underwood & Underwood of Arlington New Jersey, entitled "Cutting peat in Allen Bog, Ireland" Card no. (81) 428. The text on the back of the card reads "A little way out from Kiltoom, County Roscommon, central Ireland ... The famous "Bog of Allen" which extends for miles along here between Athlone (behind you) and Roscommon, ahead in the direction in which you are facing ...". A identical stereotype from the Keystone View Company (Card No. R127) is titled "Cutting Peat, The Vegetable Substitute for Coal, in Ireland"!
The Little Chronicle Series of Stereoscopic Views - Sold only by Subscription. The Little Chronicle Publishing Co., Chicago. Card # 132. "Peat Bog at Kiltoom, Ireland". A different view from the Underwood & Underwood image at top. The reverse is blank.
Stereotype photograph by L. Black & Co. Publishers, Detroit. Title: Boyle Abbey - Ireland. Reverse is blank.
Stereotype photograph by Underwood & Underwood entitled "Ivy shrouded fortress of Norman Invaders - Roscommon Castle" Card no. (80) 430. The reverse has a detailed narrative of the history of the castle and it's location.
We would welcome additional information and examples of these views of Roscommon. If you have any please contact us.
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