Reflections -kaleidoscopes
                            
  History  
 
What is a Kaleidoscope and Teleidoscope ?
 
The kaleidoscope was invented by Sir David Brewster, a Scottish scientist, in 1816, and patented (GB 4136) by him in 1817. He named his invention after the Greek words, kalos or beautiful, eidos or form, and scopos or watcher. So kaleidoscope means the beautiful form watcher. Brewsters kaleidoscope was a tube containing loose pieces of colored glass and other pretty objects, reflected by mirrors or glass lenses set at angles, that created patterns when viewed through the end of the tube. David Brewster actually did not see much in way of financial success from his inventions; other inventors were aggressive in mass producing this new art form.

Many of the baby boomers remember receiving a toy kaleidoscope as a kid. It was not until the late 1970s that a renaissance in Kaleidoscope artistry began. In 1980 a first exhibition of kaleidoscopes helped fuel the interest in Kaleidoscopes as an art form. Today there are 100?s of great kaleidoscopes artists and kaleidoscope makers.
  
 
 
Later in the early 1870?s, an American called Charles Bush (1825-1900) improved upon the kaleidoscope and started the kaleidoscope fad. Charles Bush was granted patents in 1873 - 1874 related to improvements in kaleidoscopes, kaleidoscope boxes, objects for kaleidoscopes (US 143,271), and kaleidoscope stands. Bush was the first person to mass manufacturer his "parlor" kaleidoscope in America.

A teleidoscope is exactly the same as a kaleidoscope, except that the teleidoscopes object case is simply a lens. The lens will show whatever you are pointing the scope at around you and the mirrors will reflect that image, which will change as you move the scope around. Sometimes a glass or crystal ball is used as the lens. Teleidoscopes can be either 2 mirror (Mandela) or 3 mirror
 
 
FAQ :  
 
1.
How do kaleidoscopes work?
   All kaleidoscopes have 2 basic sections - the mirrors and then an object at the end. The mirrors are usually in a triangular configuration of some type and create a tunnel through which you look. The object at the end creates the colors of your kaleidoscope. The object can be fixed or turn separately. The object can have loose, tumbling beads or it can have an oil filled chamber that will float to change your image. Wheels can be at the end of the kaleidoscope as well. A simple clear marble can also be at the end of the mirrors which is called a teleidoscope.  www.youtube.com/watch
   
   
2.
What makes the expensive ones so expensive?
   
 
Four factors go into the price of each kaleidoscope. First, the materials selected. Simple cardboard is much less expensive than Dichroic glass which costs well over $144 per square foot. Second, the use of costly first surface mirrors versus standard rear surface mirrors. Third, is the time and talent that is required to create the kaleidoscope. Some pieces are manufactured assembly line style whereas some unique pieces can represent an artists entire work for a 2 or more week period. Forth, is the personality or rarity of the kaleidoscope itself !
   
3. I want to see myself or my own objects through the kaleidoscope. How do I do that?
   
 
Use a teleidoscope. A teleidoscope is a kaleidoscope that has only a clear marble at the end for its object. It will distort your view of the world and then the mirrors will multiply it into your own kaleidoscopic vision. Another option is a kaleidoscope with an interchangeable object cell, where it is designed to have objects removed and added to the cell. 2 examples of this are the Nature and Candy kaleidoscope kits which are made from cardboard and acrylic safety mirrors; and a lovely example is the Kings Ransom by Henry Bergeson which is handcrafted from solid maple and bubinga woods with brass accents.
   
4.
Why do some images float?
   
 
Floating images are created when the artist has chosen to use an oil filled cell at the end of the kaleidoscope. Once you have turned the object chamber, the oil will continue to float and thus create a slow motion moving image for you to enjoy. Almost all artists use medical grade pure mineral oil. Some are using silicone as well. The only care required is to keep them away from direct sunlight and direct heat. A dry object chamber will tumble as you turn the cell. It will give you the nostalgic clink as you turn the chamber. There are also creative, fun ways of changing the image from music boxes to perfume atomizers to pulleys to magnets!
   
5.
Why do some kaleidoscopes have different geometry to the images?
   
 
The image is created by the geometry of the mirrors; often called the mirror system of the kaleidoscope. A 2 mirror system uses a solid black surface for the triangular barrel of the kaleidoscope. This creates a single round mandala image. The degree of the angle of the mirrors determines how many points to the star there are. A 3 mirror creates a full quilt of color; and again, the angle of the mirrors can change the geometry of the mirrors. Unique mirror systems have used even more mirrors and there have been circular mirror systems where the mirror is shaped like a tube.
   
6.
Where can I find these locally?
   
 
At this time, there are very few galleries that carry a large selection of kaleidoscopes. Reflections Kaleidoscopes in Mendocino is one of the top retailers of scopes not to mention their fine selection of Art Glass, Mirrors and Jewelry. Whether visiting in person or shopping online, when you see and find that beautiful Kaleidoscopes you cannot live without, simply contact us so that we can provide you with the best possible personalized shopping experience.
   
 
We are here most days of a week from 10:30AM to 5:30PM Pacific Time. We will discuss your needs and desires; then verify your order by e-mail and advise you of what additional charges, if any that may apply. You can simply reply by e-mail and we will process the order as you direct.
   
 
We also acknowledge that there is the intangible quality that you just cannot judge until you hold and view your kaleidoscope. This is why our return policy is generous for 30 days. If its not right, ship it back and we refund your purchase price of the kaleidoscope.
   
 

 

  
 
Contact: Reflections Kaleidoscopes, 10400 Kasten Street (physical), Box 1103 (mail to), Mendocino, CA 95460-1103
Ph: 707-937-0173 / 707-357-0984, info@Reflections-Kaleidoscopes.com
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