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Kaleidoscopes

We all remember the old plastic Kaleidoscopes. These Glass Kaleidoscopes by Ian Chadwick are a more contemporary take on the traditional idea.

Kaleidoscopes were used in the textile industry for the design of repeat patterns and the first patent was placed in 1813 by the Scotsman Sir David Brewster for the kaleidoscope as a scientific optical curiosity. Since then kaleidoscopes have developed considerably into an exciting and highly collectable art form.

Ian manufactures a contemporary version of kaleidoscopes utilizing all his aquired glass-working techniques. The kaleidoscopes Ian designs and hand makes come in a range of styles but the emphasis is always on a high level of production with safety as a consideration.

Each kaleidoscope is carefully considered before production, some use stained glass while others the glass used is kiln formed first in a similar manner to the production of Ian’s fused-glass bowls. The elements are then constucted using lead-free solder and the chamber which contain the mirrors is carefully sealed to ensure no dust particles are present. The mirror used in Ian’s kaleidoscopes are chosen to give the most optically perfect outcome and are the same type of mirror found in scientific devices such as telescopes and microscopes.

The configuration of mirrors within the kaleidoscopes determine the type of image which is observed inside, a triangle of 3 mirrors achieves a circular mandala-type effect while a diamond of 4 mirrors achieves the effect of 2 mandalas blending toward the centre. A tapered configuration of mirrors achieves an image which seems to be like a dome made up of triangles.

The object chamber is also another consideration in Ian’s kaleidoscopes. The object chamber is the part of device which provides the colour and pattern and usually found at the opposite end to the opening in which the viewer looks. Ian uses several different styles of object chamber including some which contain elements of dichroic glass, glass beads and faceted glass. He also uses oil wands which contain foil confetti and coloured beads and produce an image which moves due the effects of gravity.

Certain styles of Ian’s kaleidoscopes have magical effects upon the brain….. when manufacturing a triangular configuration chamber, if the top angle is within 19 and 26 degrees it produces an image called the ‘optimum mandala’. When this chamber is combined with an oil wand object chamber then the viewer will experience pulsing rings of colour which the viewer has the sensation of falling into or falling out of….this effect has been studied by scientists who believe the kaleidoscope causes the production of Beta waves in the Brain. Beta waves have been measured in the brains of individuals who are in deep medititive or yogic states.

Ian’s kaleidoscopes are often designed along with their own custom made stand to ensure that when not being used it is an attractive art object in any environment.

Ian Cadwick’s hand made kaleidoscopes are a great present for someone who has everything and also are a wonderful talking point at a gathering.

Examples of Ian’s work: