Stereoscopic photographic views, also known as stereographs, were highly popular in the United States and Europe from the mid-1850s to the early 20th century. When inserted into a stereoscope viewer, a 3D image is revealed.
We hold over 107 stereoscope cards within our collections, which encompass a diverse array of images, including gold mining, landscapes, children, buildings, and people from Aotearoa New Zealand and other countries. These cards are primarily in black and white, with a few colour images related to tourism.
We also hold two stereoscopes; one made by Underwood & Underwood and the other being the more popular Oliver Wendell Holmes model, created in 1861.
Our stereoscope photos include our George Capper collection. George found the images in a local op shop. These include scenes around the Karangahake Gorge, Waihi area and mines.
Our David Madani collection includes trains, mining, local scenes throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and some overseas scenes.
We also have a small selection of images throughout our other collections.
View our collections by searching for 'stereoview' here.