Kaleidoscope Artistry by Timothy Krause

This collection of Artist Proof kaleidoscopes represents distinction in style, function, form, colors, and technique. Each of the twenty-five kaleidoscopes is unique and features the highest quality in craftsmanship and materials. None of these scopes will ever be duplicated.

The artist has been known for his stained glass "Brewster's Cove" lighthouse kaleidoscopes, as featured in Cozy Baker's book, Kaleidoscopes, Wonders of Wonders. This recent body of work reveals his love of wood and the wood turning process.

Casually known here at the studio as "The Zipper", this is a milestone for the largest hand held scope I have made in years. The zipper design is made by cutting out four identical solid pieces of wood and joining them back together to form the zippered pattern. Only master woodworkers can achieve this technique, and it is my only one of this style.

The scope measures 12 1/2 inches tall by 3 1/4 inches wide at the object cell. The tapered body is an average of 2 1/4 inches in diameter making this scope very easy to handle. The scope is made from two types of wood, Rock Maple and Sapelle and then finished with six coats of hand rubbed oil.

The dry object cell freely rotates the 40 pieces of lampworked glass objects to provide a never-ending change of colors and patterns. The artist believes that only real glass items that have been masterfully worked in the flame can create the same rich jewel tones, textures and color blends that this scope delivers.

The woodworking details in this scope are amazing. The object cell is made from 30 pieces of wood that have been precision cut and mitered and reassembled to create the desired effect. The zipper pattern is flawless.

The mirror system in this scope is the classic 60-60-60. This may seem common, but the difference with other scopes is the size of the mirrors. The focal length is a huge 11 inches and the mirror width is 1 3/8 inches. You have not seen a mirror system this size for a long time. It creates a really large view area. You will notice a major difference!

Really, the images do not capture the variety in this scope! All of the sample interior images shown here are from this scope. The pictures are very close, but they do not capture the true beauty, scale and variety of the images that this kaleidoscope is capable of. You will not be disappointed!