Who can't help be fascinated by kaleidoscopes? A couple of twists and colorful prisms of glass create ever-new designs. What began in 1816 as a scientific instrument today is recognized as a serious, collectible art form.

        When mid-19th century kaleidoscopes make a rare auction appearance, listed as optic devices, the prices can begin at $650 and go into several thousand dollars.

        Sir David Brewster was a scientific genius who created a telescope when he was only 10 years old. As an adult, he was a multifaceted scientist who researched diverse subjects. Of greatest interest to him was the effect of different angles of light on glass. His theory on the polarization of light involved a simple way to calculate the angle at which light must strike a substance for maximum polarization.

        Scientifically known today as Brewster's Angle, it has been used in the development of lasers, fiber optics, etc.

        The optic instrument Brewster invented in 1816 and named the kaleidoscope had become a popular form of entertainment in the Victorian age. Credit American Charles Bush with the invention of the “Parlor kaleidoscope” with a color wheel that changed the background for the images.

        Collector and author Cozy Baker is known as the First Lady of Kaleidoscopes. Her first book on the subject was written in 1985, and at the same time she curated the first major exhibition of scopes in Washington, D.C.

        As founder of the Brewster Society, she has converted her home into a house-museum that begins outside her door with a contemporary kaleidoscope mailbox. Her collections numbers more than 800.

        Ms. Baker's new book, Kaleidoscopes — Wonders of Wonder (C&T Publishing; $31.45), documents the history of kaleidoscopes and introduces contemporary artists and their works in dazzling colors. “With more colors than a rainbow and patterns as numerous as the stars, kaleidoscopes are being fashioned into every conceivable shape and form, from simplistic to stupendous,” Ms. Baker says.

        They can range from simple cardboard tubes with metallic mirrors containing plastic bits and pieces to elegant tubes of sterling silver and 14k gold set with rubies and emeralds.

        “It is astounding that one basic concept involving a simple set of mirrors, with an eyepiece at one end and an object cell at the other, can produce such a limitless variety of creative ingenuity,” Ms. Baker says.

        In 1946, the Steven Manufacturing Co. (still in business) began making hundreds of types of kaleidoscopes, along with other toys. These still turn up at flea markets and estate sales where they are scooped up by collectors for a few dollars.

        For adults interested in the kaleidoscope as art, the revival of interest came in the 1970s. Bill O'Connor, a noted glass blower, was given a Bush kaleidoscope to repair. He became so fascinated that he experimented with mineral compounds in his glass-blowing furnaces that resulted in blazing colors. He went on to create series I and II in an edition of 50. If one came to market these days the price would be in the thousands.

        Reproductions of the Bush scope and contemporary artists can be found in crafts and gift shops and museum gift stores.
       

        Contact Anne Gilbert, Tempo, The Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202.

Ballet's Peter Pan beguiling
CCM triumphs in first performance of 'Rusalka'
'Bowlwright' carves niche as experts' expert
Roses without thorns
Four generations of Natorps, and still growing strong
Gardener's things to do this week
Tent caterpillars make their pitch
Colorful kaleidoscopes highly collectible
In The Know
Preservation group shows Grandin homes
Get to It