This Day in History
(June 17, 1821-1900) John Henry Pepper, a professor of chemistry at the London Polytechnic Institute first opened in 1838 as a lecturer, giving talks on "The Wonders of Optical Science" which outlined the "Peppers Ghost" effect among others. Pepper enjoyed explaining science with magic and toured for several years with a Ghost Show. In 1854, the Institute titled him as "Professor Pepper", and he became the director of the exhibition hall.
The "Peppers Ghost" illusion became famous, largely through stage performances of Dicken’s "Haunted Man" in 1862, and soon after, Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol," which adopted the illusion enthusiastically.
Pictured above is a sample illustration of Pepper’s illusion in action, as illustrated in a turn-of-the-century handbook. Note that the "ghost" in the top panel with the actor represents the audience’s perception, not an actual actor. The only actual performer in a sheet is the actor below the audience and out of their view, being illuminated by a projector.
Well in a less “flashy” way, this same technique can be used to create ghostly images that looks so real and authentic, that you could easily convert any old building into a haunted building.
If you want to create your own neighborhood haunted house. Using this
technique would surely make your home standout.
