Kaleidoscopes

Kaleidoscopes are fun, have a rich history and make great gifts. Kaleidoscopes were first invented in 1816 by David Brewster a Scottish inventor. David Brewster did not profit much from his invention because others aggressively produced Kaleidoscopes. Kaleidoscopes became popular during the Victorian period as a parlor diversion. Charles Bush became the largest United States Kaleidoscope manufacturer during the 1870s for his parlor kaleidoscope. He patented his ideas in 1873 and collectors still seek out his original works. Many of you may remember receiving a toy kaleidoscope as a kid. In the late 1970s, a revival in Kaleidoscope artistry began. In 1980 an exhibition of kaleidoscopes helped them gain popularity as an art form. Fortunately, today, the popularity of kaleidoscopes continues and there are many kaleidoscope artists and kaleidoscope makers.