Langenheim brothers
Also known as: American Stereoscopic Company
Region: United States Period: 1850–1890 Occupation: Publisher
© Stereoscopy History
The brothers Frederick and William Langenheim were of German origin. In 1848 they were registered with a photographic studio in Philadelphia. They produced daguerreotypes and had also acquired a licence to apply the calotype process.
In 1848 they experimented with projecting images on glass. These glass transparencies were called Hyalotypes. The process contributed to increased interest in the magic lantern projector and stimulated its wider use. The Hyalotype also served as an inspiration for Jules Duboscq to begin producing glass stereoviews.
From 1854 onward, the Langenheim brothers began producing and distributing glass stereoviews in the United States. They collaborated with William Loyd and Alexander Beckers, who produced the stereoscopes used to view Langenheim’s stereoviews.
From 1858 onward, the production and distribution of stereoviews were consolidated under a new business named the American Stereoscopic Company.
Related items:Beckers, Alexander Calotype Daguerreotype Duboscq, Jules Hyalotype Loyd’s American Stereoscope Magic lantern Transparency
People:
Ernst Wilhelm (William) Langenheim* 1807, Braunschweig, Germany † 1874, United StatesFriedrich (Frederic) Langenheim
* 1809, Braunschweig, Germany † 1879, United States
Further reading:
- Hannavy, John (editor). Encyclopedia of nineteenth-century photography (2008) , pp. 824-826
- William Brey. "The Langenheims of Philadelphia" in: Stereo World (March 1979) , pp. 4-20
- Darrah, William C.. The World of Stereographs (1977) , pp. 21-22