The collection bears the name of the native New Yorker who assembled it over a period of more than six decades, Robert N. Dennis (1900-1983). It includes more than 72,000 stereoscopic views organized primarily by geography; within the geographical groups arrangement is by creator, publisher, or series name. Published series are arranged by item number.
Biographical/historical: Stereoscopic views consist of two nearly twin photographs -- one for the left eye, one for the right. Viewing the side-by-side images though a special lens arrangement called a stereoscope combines the two flat images and creates the illusion of objects in spatial depth. Photographers around the world produced millions of stereoscopic views between 1850 and 1930. Their popularity soared when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert received the gift of a stereoscopic viewer at the Crystal Palace exhibition in 1851. Stereoscopic views include topographic views, local history, events, industries and trade, costume, urban and country life, and portraits.
Physical Description
Extent: Approx. 72,000 stereoscopic views : 10 x 18 cm or smaller
