Kern County exhibit, California Midwinter Exposition

Stereographs are devices capable of building a three-dimensional​ image out of two photographs that have about two and a half inches difference between them so that it could imitate the two eyes’ real field of view. Combining these images into a single one with the help of stereoscope, a person can experience the illusion of the image’s depth. Stereoscope uses the same principle as in human binocular vision. Our eyes are separated by about two inches, so we see everything from two different angles. When the brain combined those views in a single picture, we get the spatial depth and dimension. Stereographs were extremely popular between 1850 and 1930 all around the world. Millions of stereographs were made during that time. There was a broad range of themes: landscape, travel, historical moments, nature disasters, architecture and many others. Nowadays, simply launch this collection full screen and put your mobile device in Google Cardboard Viewer.

Benjamin West Kilburn (1827-1909) was an American photographer and publisher. He was born in Littleton, New Hampshire, and began his career as a photographer in the 1850s. Kilburn is best known for his stereoscopic photography, which he produced with his brother Edward and his son James. Kilburn's stereoscopic images were popular in the late 19th century and were sold as souvenirs and educational tools. They were produced by taking two photographs of the same scene from slightly different angles and then mounting them side by side on a card. When viewed through a stereoscope, the images would appear three-dimensional. Kilburn also published a series of stereoscopic views of the American Civil War, which were widely distributed and helped to shape public opinion about the conflict. In addition to his photography work, Kilburn was also involved in publishing and printing. He founded the Kilburn Brothers publishing company with his brother Edward in 1865, which produced stereoscopic views, postcards, and other printed materials. Kilburn died in Littleton, New Hampshire, in 1909. His legacy as a pioneer of stereoscopic photography and a publisher of popular images continues to be celebrated today.

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