Magick Lanthorn: a small optical machine that shows by a gloomy light upon a white wall, spectres and monsters so hideous that he, who knows the secret, believes it to be performed by Magic Arts. (The New World of English Words or a General Dictionary. Edward Philips 1696 [3rd Edition])

Opposing to many speculations, the magic lantern, now commonly became as wall-mount lantern, was not a Victorian invention but rather goes back to the mid 17th century. It has now been attributed to a Dutch scientist Christian Huygens.

Many stories were foretold about the magic lantern and its secret however, in 1880’s, photographers Joseph Bamforth of Holmfirth in Yorkshire and York and Son of Bridgwater, began to produce stories and songs which are fictional, translated in photographic forms. Later on, ballad poems depicting life among the poorer classes were popularized like ‘Billy’s Rose’, “The Level Crossing” and “In the Workhouse Christmas Day” by the Victorian playwright George R. Sims. The lantern then became as one of the most popular Christmas symbol up to this day.

To date, most houses are adorned with outdoor wall lanterns. It differs in styles, shapes, colour and material. Some are rustic, bronze, silver, or gold. The candelabra bulbs are 60 watts maximum and it does not use artificial and clear coatings. Medium type A bulbs are 75 watts maximum.