
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London is known for its large and diverse collection of art, but hidden within its halls is a treasure trove of historical artefacts that tell the story of human ingenuity. Among them is a collection of 19th century cameras.
The 19th century was a period of unprecedented technological progress, and one of the greatest inventions of the era was photography. This revolutionary medium allowed people to capture and preserve the moments of their lives. The cameras of the time played a crucial role in ushering in a new era of visual storytelling.

Nicour's photobinocular camera, 1867, museum no. RPS.187-2018 ©Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A's 19th century camera collection includes a wide range of devices, each demonstrating the evolution of photographic technology and the skill of those who used them. For example, Nicour's photobinocular camera or Stirn's Secret Camera.
Created in Germany, Krugener’s Taschenbuch’ Patent Book Camera also complements the museum’s display. Several thousand such devices were sold in various countries, including France, Belgium and Great Britain.

Stirn's Secret Camera, 1886 museum no. RPS.227-2018 ©Victoria and Albert Museum
Bloch’s Physiographe Camera was manufactured in France from 1896 and had a pair of stereo lenses on the side with a right-angle viewfinder. It seemed that the photographer was looking through the binoculars in a completely different direction than he was shooting.
The Ticka watch pocket camera, which looked more like a pocket watch, was manufactured in 1904 by Houghtons Ltd. It was sold in one form or another until 1939.

Krugener’s Taschenbuch’ Patent Book Camera, 1888 museum no. RPS.226-2018 ©Victoria and Albert Museum

Krugener’s Taschenbuch’ Patent Book Camera, 1888 museum no. RPS.226-2018 ©Victoria and Albert Museum
The camera collection from the Victoria and Albert Museum is not only a testament to the evolution of photography, but also a reminder of the importance of preserving history. These photographic equipment are not just objects, but portals to the past. They tell the story of how humanity's desire to record and share its experiences has evolved over time.

Bloch's Physiograph Camera, 1896 museum no. RPS.229-2018 ©Victoria and Albert Museum

Bloch's Physiograph Camera, 1896 museum no. RPS.229-2018 ©Victoria and Albert Museum

Tikka watch pocket camera, 1906 museum no. RPS.228-2018 ©Victoria and Albert Museum

Tikka watch pocket camera, 1906 museum no. RPS.228-2018 ©Victoria and Albert Museum

Thompson's Revolver Camera, 1862 museum no. RPS.116-2018 ©Victoria and Albert Museum

Thompson's Revolver Camera, 1862 museum no. RPS.116-2018 ©Victoria and Albert Museum
Source: vam.ac.uk