Phenakistoscope, or the 19th-Century Predecessor of the Animated GIF - Section A

The phenakistoscope is an optical device involving a disc with a sequence of images that, when spun and viewed through an aperture, create the illusion of continuous motion. It was invented around 1833, after several scientists had observed and published their findings on stroboscopic effect. The phenakistoscope was quickly patented and mass marketed, becoming an entertainment sensation. As the first widely available device to convert still images into moving images, the phenakistoscope led to advancements in other optical devices and eventually motion pictures. This mini-workshop will include an examination of a selection of phenakistoscopes and related pre-cinema optical devices from the Library's Graphic Arts Collection. Participants will then design their own phenakistoscope animations. No drawing experience is necessary. Workshop is open to all skill levels, and all materials will be provided.

Meet the facilitator:
Molly Dotson is the Graphic Arts Librarian in the Special Collections department at Firestone Library. Before coming to Princeton, Molly served as the Assistant Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts at the Yale Center for British Art, and previously was the Assistant Director for Special Collections at the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library at Yale University. While at Yale, she also taught non-credit letterpress printing classes and other book arts-related workshops. She received dual master's degrees in Art History and Library Science from Indiana University-Bloomington and a B.A. in Art History from the University of Kentucky. In 2010, she was awarded the Kress Fellowship in Art Librarianship.

What to Expect:
Mini workshop (90 mins total)

To request accommodations for this event, please contact the workshop or event facilitator at least 3 working days prior to the event.

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