Dauguerre was originally a theatre and set designer by talent.  He became famous when working for Prevost’s theatre of comical ambiguities.  The play Vampire was staged using Daguerre’s magnificent and ingenious sets.  A few years later in 1820 he started thinking about opening his own business.  Two years later Diorama opened its doors and was an immediate success.  Daguerre’s painted landscapes were very realistic; his Mount Vesuvius backdrop even spouted smoke and fire! Continue reading →

Joseph Nicephore Niepce

March 7 1765 – July 5 1833

Joseph Nicephore Niepce was originally a professional soldier but after falling ill with typhoid he resigned from the army.  Niepce was a keen inventor and soon became very interested in the process of lithography. Continue reading →