Come and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Napoleon III through the lenses of a Stereoscope! This in-person event will take you on a journey back in time to explore the life and times of this iconic historical figure. Join us at BR7 5HJ for an unforgettable experience filled with history, nostalgia, and insight into a bygone era. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to see the world through Napoleon III’s eyes!
From the Brian May Archive of Stereoscopy:
“The reign of Napoleon III (1852 – 1870) coincides with the first golden age of the stereoscope, that amazing instrument invented by British polymath Charles Wheatstone, which creates the illusion of depth from two flat perspectives taken from slightly different angles. “Stereoscopomania,” as it was nicknamed, allowed the Victorians to discover the world in three dimensions and visit far away lands from the comfort of their firesides.
Emperor Napoleon III understood the power of photography and used it, sometimes associated with the stereoscope, to promote himself and his regime. He gave permission to photographers to take stereoscopic pictures of the imperial residences, and allowed his stereoscopic portrait – as well that of his wife and child – to be mass produced and sold to his subjects.
From Camden Place, Chislehurst, the place where Napoleon III spent the last two years of his life and where he died, on 9 January 1873, photo historian Denis Pellerin, from the Brian May Archive of Stereoscopy, will take you on a three dimensional journey through the time of Emperor Napoleon III. As he tells the story of stereoscopic photography during the Second Empire, the speaker will show you in glorious three dimensions the Paris boulevards, the London avenues, the visit of the Emperor and Empress to the Crystal Palace, the Imperial Family and their multiple residences, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, as well as the fashion and spectacles of the time.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to step back in time from the very heart of a historical place, to meet the protagonists of this fascinating story as if they were standing right in front of you and to discover Emperor Napoleon III and his family as you have never seen them. Tickets can be obtained from Eventbrite (see below). Since there is a limited number of seats (70) and depending on the number of attendants the talk might be repeated at 3.15 pm.”
Details
Date and Time: Wednesday 29th October 2025, 14:00 GMT.
Location: Chislehurst Golf Club, Camden Place, Camden Park Road, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5HJ, UK. Parking available at venue.
Price: £6.13 each.
Tickets
Can be booked directly below, or you can visit the eventbrite webpage for more details and booking.
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