Peep Show of the Crystal Palace in London

Peep Show of the Crystal Palace in London

Created in the mid 1850s, this piece is a form of virtual reality in the Victorian era. The media allowed an audience to immerse themselves, virtually, in the Crystal Palace- which was a place that housed exhibitions. Through layering multiple illustrations, it gives an optical illusion of a 3D visual of the Crystal Palace rather than a flat 2D illustration. The viewer looks into the hole which is situated at the top of all the illustrations. When the viewer looks through the hole they are then transported to the Crystal Palace in London. What is interesting about this is that it also serves as an advertisement. The immersive device allows people to get an idea of the Crystal Palace before actually having to physically attend, but might further entice them to make a visit.

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New York Public Library on 42nd street, rare books division.

1850s

New York Public Library

5 illustrations creating an optical illusion of a 3D image.

Immersive illustration