One afternoon from two free online talks has been announced as a joint company between the Brian May Stereoscopic archive, Jordan’s rare books and special collections, Queens University, Kingston, Canada and the Conservation Department, Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Regina, Canada, to celebrate the earlier stereoscopy day.

Talk 1 at 3:00 pm BST, June 20, 2025: Toxicity in 3-D: Arsenic and Hidden Danger of Stereoscopic Cards

In this presentation, Kim Bell [1] And Robin Canham [2] Will study the surprising arsenic discovery in cardboard support from several 19th-century stereoscopic cards-a danger that is ignored in institutional and personal collections. Drawing in their ongoing research, they will explore how the lively green pigments in the card holder, are often used to increase stereographic appeal, often made with arsenic -based compounds such as Paris Green.

They will discuss the method used to identify toxic materials in historical photography media, scope of problems in Canadian collections, and potential risk for those who handle these materials without proper precautions. What is important, they will offer practical guidelines for storing, labeling, and accessing arsenic stereoscopic card safely, and describing strategies for institutions and collectors to manage these materials responsibly while preserving their cultural values ​​and research.

[1] Kim is from WD Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections, Queens University, Kingston, Canada

[2] Robin came from the Conservation Department, Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Regina, Canada.

Talk 2 (in 3-D) at 3.40 pm BST, June 20, 2025: Arsenic and Long Lace: Potential Dangers But Unmatched Pleasure from Victoria’s Stereography

In this 3-D presentation photo historian Denis PellerinFrom the Brian May stereoscopic archive, it will show that although some of the stereoscopic card holders may have the potential to be dangerous, no one can replace the wealth of information and many topics – many have never been photographed in other formats – these cards from the Victorian era hold their relatively small surfaces.

With the help of simple precautions and by encouraging digital use of what is an extraordinary, comprehensive, and unique encyclopedia in the 19th century, Denis will try and show that institutions and collectors must embrace risks that may exist and choose from various display methods to share this extraordinary image with the public. Nothing can pull someone into the picture and hold it there by stereoscopic drawing that is seen in the 3-D can. Isolated from your environment, you really enter the picture and explore the scenery as if you were really there. There is no magic carpet or a better time engine than stereoscopes and a set of cards, and there is no risk of chair and space travelers other than traveling by plane or driving a car, while the reward is unmatched.

NOTES: All images in the second presentation will be displayed side by side and can be seen stereoscopic. To enjoy the 3-D experience you need:

• Lorgnette type performers (such as Lite and Steampunk Owls, sold by London stereoscopic company-or other similar models) if you watch on your smartphone.
• A Mirror or Prism Viewer (See Steve Berezin Website: If you watch presentations on a larger display: Tablet, Computer, or TV Set.

This conversation is mostly addressed to the curator, archivarial, and collector of stereoscopic cards but the general public is most invited to join us.

Free and open conversation for everyone. Please find a special stereoscopy day web page to register here.

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