Wooden cabinet card viewer

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

51921

Title

Wooden cabinet card viewer given to campaigner Eliza Wigham for her contribution to the Edinburgh Exhibition, 1886

Description

One ornate photograph (cabinet card) viewer. Inlaid wooden box with lid fixed by holes and dowels. On inside of lid is a silver plaque with dedication to Eliza Wigham from the Loving Friends from the Artisan Department, Edinburgh Exhibition 1886. Hinged stand for photocards. Interior has a hinged magnifying glass on a hinged stand. Drawer on the short front end which contained the photographs.

Date

1886

Size

22.5cm x 25cm x 43cm

Type

Wood

Location

Museums Collection Centre

Copyright

The City of Edinburgh Council Museums & Galleries

Cabinet card viewers were used to view photographs printed on card. A magnifying glass allowed the viewer to see more detail on the card. Viewers were ornate, and often presented as gifts.

This cabinet card viewer was given to Eliza Wigham for her contribution to the Artisan Department of the organisation behind the International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art of 1886.

Eliza Wigham was a notable campaigner for women's emancipation and suffrage, the abolition of slavery and also an active member of the British Women's Temperance Association's Christian Union. You can listen to a podcast from Museums & Galleries Edinburgh about her and items in the collection relating to her work.

The 1886 exhibition was a showcase of modern technology and drew visitors from across the country. Many similar exhibitions were taking place around Europe, celebrating innovations in technology and design at a time of huge societal change. The Edinburgh exhibition showcased a range of topics, ranging from cutting edge steam technology to new developments in rifle making and a reconstruction of Edinburgh’s Old Town, complete with characters in costume such as the old Town Guard and Mary Queen of Scots.

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