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Victorian Bog Oak Owl "Hastings" Stanhope Pendant

Victorian Bog Oak Owl "Hastings" Stanhope Pendant

$400.00

Description

DATE: Victorian, c.1880

Stanhopes (aka Stanho-scopes) were invented by René Dagron in 1857 as a way of viewing microphotographs without the need of an expensive microscope. In 1862, Dagron displayed the devices at the Exhibition in London, where he got an "Honourable Mention" and presented them to Queen Victoria.

This one's set into a carved bog oak pendant, charmingly fashioned as an owl. The aesthetic is rustic, almost childish, with striking orange eyes set off kilter and and wings folded behind its back. Peep into the side to see six photographs "In Memory of Hastings": on the beach, the pier, Fairlight glen, old Albert Memorial, the Gateway Battle Abbey, and the Lovers Seat. At the time, this little souvenir must have seemed at the cutting edge of optical technology... extreme miniaturisation of the new photographic technique. 

STONES 

Bog Oak

MEASUREMENTS 

2.4 x 0.9 x 1.0cm (height x width x depth)

WEIGHT 

1.3g

MARKS 

No marks present

CONDITION 

Very good

Victorian Bog Oak Owl Hastings Stanhope Pendant Victorian Bog Oak Owl Hastings Stanhope Pendant Victorian Bog Oak Owl Victorian Bog Oak Owl

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