Chromoplast

Region: Germany    Period: 1890–1930   

A Chromoplast-Bild is a coloured stereoview reproducing an autochrome photograph. It was an invention of Christian Rumm (1867–1938). Rumm succeeded in reproducing a colour photograph made using the autochrome process through a printing method, allowing it to be issued as a coloured paper stereoview.

Rumm registered Chromoplast as a trademark in 1910. The first series of Chromoplast-Bilder were produced from stereo autochromes by the photographer Hans Hildenbrand, who was also the publisher of the images. The earliest Chromoplast-Bilder measured 9 x 15.7 cm; this later became the more common 9 x 18 cm format.

From 1911 onwards, the Chromoplast-Bilder were published by Farbenphotographische Gesellschaft in Stuttgart, with Hildenbrand remaining involved as photographer. By 1912, a total of 31 series had already appeared, rising to 53 by 1916. The Farbenphotographische Gesellschaft was taken over by Uvachrom GmbH in 1919.

Related items:
9 x 18 format  Autochrome  Hildenbrand, Hans

Further reading:

  • Lorenz, Dieter. "Die Farbenphotographische Gesellschaft und der Chromoplastverlag" in: Fotografie und Raum (2012) , pp. 123-131
Published: 24-05-2026