Handmade, patented stereoscope
Pressure-cast rubber, hardwoods, glass optics, stainless steel hardware
4 x 7 x 4 in.
SOLD HERE--scroll to bottom of page.
(for a wearable lorgnette stereoscope, check out the SLIM TwinScope Viewer)
Both an art object & technically refined stereoscope, the TwinScope Viewer serves many purposes. Practically—it's a multi-purpose stereoscope that elegantly solves the problem of stereograph display; it's also ideal for hand-held stereographs or side-by-side 3D images in books or on digital displays. Conceptually—it promotes the reappraisal of stereographs and addresses a host of topics including the mechanics of binocular vision; the nature of art objects and interactive art; the intersection of art & design; and invention as art production. Personally—it embodies a relationship between twin sisters, one who lacked depth perception and the other who invented a stereoscope that helped her twin finally see in 3D.
Originally created by Colleen Woolpert to exhibit her own contemporary stereographs, its utility prompted her to make it available to others who appreciate fine photography in the stereograph format. To date, Colleen has created over a hundred TwinScope Viewers for both individuals and institutions. The TwinScope Viewer has often enabled the first-ever display of an institution's archived stereographs and has also accompanied the work of many contemporary artists working in the stereograph format. Recent exhibitions include:
"Fragments of a Faith Forgotten: The Art of Harry Smith"
Whitney Museum of American Art
"Early Photography and Film"
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
"Muybridge in Alaska: 1868"
curated by Marc Shaffer to accompany his film "Exposing Muybridge"
Alaska Native Heritage Center
"Collected"
California Museum of Photography
"Off the Beaten Track: A Roadtrip through the Archives of American Art"
Smithsonian Archives of American Art, Lawrence A. Fleischmann Gallery
The TwinScope Viewer also functions as a "wireless" hand-held stereoscope (akin to the Holmes viewer) for viewing stereographs in the archive or in one's personal collection.
Colleen meticulously creates each TwinScope Viewer by hand in her Kalamazoo, Michigan studio using pressure-cast rubber and laser-cut hardwoods (process featured on Don't Take Pictures). The TwinScope Viewer has a contemporary form inspired by the antique Holmes stereoscope, the Eames Lounge Chair, and binoculars. It strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal, durability, and functionality, and is carefully engineered for an optimal viewing experience.
Features:
• Wall (or pedestal) mounting for stereographs in frames or display cases
• Invertible handle for viewing hand-held stereographs
• Security chain for public use (easily attached)
• Fits over eyeglasses
• Superb glass optics
• More robust and portable than antique stereoscopes
• No wire holders that can damage the stereograph
• Enlarges the image area to make card mount & captions visible
• No image “ghosting” at sides of central image
• Able to view not only central image area but edges of picture
Available for:
— museums, libraries, archives, historical societies
— curators, collectors, dealers, historians, scholars, educators
— stereographers & artists working with stereoscopy
— individuals who appreciate its charms
— people in vision therapy
Feedback:
"It was the perfect solution since it allows us to protect the works in the frame but lets them be accessible and experienced as intended.”
—Tasha Lutek, Collection Specialist, Department of Photography
Museum of Modern Art
"Your gorgeous viewer just arrived! We are so thrilled to exhibit it."
—Mary Savig, Curator of Manuscripts
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Art
"I give it my highest endorsement. In fact, you could put my name on it."
—John Waldsmith, Co-Founder, National Stereoscopic Association
Author, Stereo Views: An Illustrated History and Price Guide
"...proves ideal in exhibition environments...it works remarkably well..."
—Denis Pellerin, Director
London Stereoscopic Company
"Sharp optics and top notch materials make this a superior stereoscope, while loving craftsmanship render it a work of art in its own right."
—David Kuntz, Editor, Stereoscopy
General Secretary, Stereoscopic Society of America
"It works better than our antique viewers."
—Carolyn Marr, Librarian
Museum of History & Industry, Seattle
“The viewer is the best! I love that I can keep my glasses on, which really helps in viewing. Might have to spend the entire day looking at a few thousand stereoviews to see them as I’ve never seen them before!”
—Jeffrey Kraus, Collector and the world's foremost stereograph dealer
Jeffrey Kraus Antique Photographics
"It's absolutely beautiful! So well crafted...love the feel of it. I have used it to look at plenty of stereoscopic cards and it works beautifully."
—Susan Simpson, Artist and Co-Artistic Director
Automata, Los Angeles
"I loved the stereoscope...very H.G. Wells...Brilliant!"
—Denny Daniels, Curator
Museum of Interesting Things, New York
"The TwinScope viewers arrived today. They work beautifully...Thanks again for creating such a perfect solution to my stereoscopic exhibition dilemma."
—Doug Russell, Artist and Associate Professor of Art, Drawing
University of Wyoming
"...extraordinarily well-made, the Rolls Royce of stereo viewers."
—Daniel Ward, Curator
Erie Canal Museum, Syracuse
For more information / Order policies:
Detailed use and care instructions can be found in this guidebook.
Viewers are made to order and payment is due at the time of order. Normal turnaround time is up to 8 weeks. If needed sooner, place a rush order by first contacting Colleen Woolpert to confirm that your deadline is possible and then selecting the rush option from the drop-down menu.
For inquiries, contact Colleen Woolpert at cwoolpert@gmail.com, or call (269) 567-0684
Choose walnut, mahogany or cherry wood; individual viewers will vary in surface characteristics. Current price reduced to $495 each with FREE shipping within the U.S. (international shipping varies, please inquire). Comes in a storage box with stainless steel hanging bracket, ball chain, screws and guidebook.
Walnut in front, mahogany on left, cherry on right
To order, click the "Buy Now" button below (if you're on a mobile device and don't see the button, please try again at a computer).
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