Chapter 3: Phenakistoscope

What is it: "Phenakistoscope" originates from Greek roots meaning "to cheat", as it deceives the eye by making the still images appear to move. The best animations for a Phenakistoscope are cyclical, for example a horse galloping.The Phenakistoscope was invented in 1832 by a Belgian Physicist known as Joseph Plateau: Inspired by faradays wheel. 'The Film before Film.'A Phenakistoscope uses a mirror to create the illusion of continuous movement. 

Here are some examples of the Phenakistoscope in action:

How to Make a Phenakistoscope:

To make a Phenakistoscope, first you need to make a check list of what you need which were:

• Stiff Paper.
• Drawing Paper.
• Drawing Compass.
• A Protractor.
• A Pencil.
• A Ruler.
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Mirror

1. First you must plan your animation, what do you want to happen in the animation?
2. Draw a circle that just touches the edges with the protractor 
3. Use a ruler and protractor to divide the circle into 12 sections: 30 degrees for each wedge. Each wedge represents a part of the animation or;
• 8 Wedges = 45 Degrees
• 9 Wedges = 40 Degrees
• 10 Wedges = 36 Degrees
• 11 Wedges = 33 Degrees.
4. Cut out the Circle
5. Cut out small rectangular slots on each separating wedge.
6. Poke small hole through centre of wheel.
7. Draw Animation on your animation wheel. 
8. Use pencil and tac, to hold wheel in place and face it towards the mirror.
9. Enjoy your animation by looking through the slit of the Phenakistoscope. 

Our Experience:

As my team and I did not have much time to plan and draw out our animation, we thought it would be more time efficient to use a template off the website and trace the drawing to concentrate on the construction. Here is the link to the template we used: Website Link.

Here is the Phenakistoscope without a mirror mean that the animation loses the illusion of movement.

Here is the finished piece, through a mirror of a cat chasing a bird over a wall: