Fig. 4.—Showing position of picture postcard and glass screen.
Three pieces of cardboard are the next requisites. One piece is to be glued to the block of wood or cigar box at the back of the show; the other along one side, and the last over the top, as depicted in [Fig. 4]. It is now necessary to slide out the glass and paint the whole of the interior dead black.
Fig. 5.—Lighting apparatus with serrated shutter.
Exhibiting
Whilst the paint is drying the young showman can turn his attention to the lights. These merely consist of two lamps—photographic dark-room lamps are most suitable, or a wax candle will serve quite well. Each lamp is provided with a cardboard shutter serrated at the bottom, as shown in [Fig. 5]. It is this serration that imparts the dissolving effects to the various views.
When the paint is dry the first exhibition may be given.
The room in which the entertainment is to take place must be darkened; the glass placed in position between the cigar-box and the stage front, and the lamps lit. Two picture postcards must also be obtained; the first being placed upright upon the cigar-box at the back of the show, and the other on the wooden base between the glass and the stage front. A glance at [Fig. 4] explains this.
The two lamps must now be so arranged that the light from one, whilst brightly illuminating the first postcard, leaves the portion of the show behind the glass in complete darkness; and the light from the other falls solely upon the card on the cigar box.