Panorama

Description and illustrated plan of the panoramic view of the Holy City of Benares and the Sacred Ganges as exhibited at the Panorama on Leicester Square in 1840. Stored within buff covers with a handwritten title, this booklet comprises a twelve page written description and a folded illustrated plan and key.

Opened in 1793, Barker’s panorama on Leicester Square was pioneering in its display of works; until this point panorama’s had been displayed in rented rooms not built for purpose, Barker wanted to create a space which would transport the visitor.

Entering the purpose built rotunda through dark and disorientating corridors, visitors would emerge from a spiral staircase onto a viewing platform in the centre of the display. From this platform they could view the 360° panorama, enhanced by specially diffused lighting and 3D embellishments. So effective were Barker’s efforts to create an immersive environment that some visitors reportedly suffered what Stephen Oettermann referred to as ‘see-sickness’.