The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is pleased to present an exhibit of historical movie projectors entitled Echoes of the Silver Screen: Pioneers’ Projectors, on display at the Santori Library now through the end of November. The exhibit features a variety of projectors from the early days of cinema, including some of the first projectors ever used. It is a must-see for any fan of classic films!
Fans of historical cinema will be familiar with The Great Train Robbery, directed by Edwin S. Porter in 1903. Porter revolutionized the silent film era by introducing audiences to concepts such as dramatic editing and location-shooting. On display with this exhibit at the Santori Library in Auora is a projector once owned by Porter, along with a Pettibone Sciopticon Magic Lantern. Magic Lanterns were initially developed in the 17th Century and were commonly used by traveling showmen and magicians to project moving pictures on to white backdrops. Light technology used in the Magic Lantern went on to help develop the Edison Manufacturing Company’s projecting Kinetoscope. This collection displays two versions of the Kinetoscope along with additional projectors and vintage movie posters. It’s a real treat for anyone interested in movies, film, and/or vintage machinery.
This collection, owned by Soterios Gardiakos of Aurora, is sponsored and curated by VizoArts, a local 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting the arts. “APLD has partnered with VizoArts on a variety of video-related projects, and it was a pleasure to be a partner with them again to share this fascinating collection with our community,” said event and program coordinator Ali Lanthrum. Gardiakos, an artist and author, began collecting early commercial-use movie projectors around the year 2000. Since replacement parts for these rare projectors were no longer available from factories, Gardiakos purchased machines and used his extensive industrial knowledge to repair the damaged pieces. We are lucky to view these historical artifacts in Aurora and admire the artistry that went into developing and maintaining them.
The inspiration to provide the display of this exhibit during November came from Aurora’s inaugural City of Lights Film Festival, which was earlier this month. Per the city government this festival was, “A celebration of the depth of our local artistry and culture.” The goal was to attract Midwest filmmakers and audiences to downtown Aurora (a common goal shared with the Library)! This exhibit and the film festival are especially exciting due to Aurora’s fame as ‘The City of Lights” because light plays an important role in film projection.
The fascinating machines included in the Echoes of the Silver Screen: Pioneers’ Projectors exhibit shed light on the evolution of cinema. This is a great opportunity for movie fans to learn about the history of projection and to see some of the most important machines in movie history. It is a fun and educational experience for the whole family! The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular Library hours through Thursday, Nov. 30. For additional information, please contact the Library at 630-264-4117, or visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/exhibits.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.