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.

This is a very rare opportunity to purchase a kaleidoscope with this level of woodworking details.

The object cell features a technique called Segmented Woodturning. It's fascinating to see how the wood changes color tones depending on the light.

The scope measures 11 5/8 inches tall by 3 3/4 inches wide at the object cell. The tapered and roped body is an average of 2 1/2 inches in diameter. The scope is made from three types of wood, Rock Maple, Leopardwood, and Sapele and then finished with six coats of hand rubbed oil.

The dry object cell freely rotates the 31 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 object cell is made from 12 pieces of Sapele, 6 pieces of Leopardwood, 12 pieces of Rock Maple and 6 pieces of Rock Maple for the retaining ring. That's a lot of detail in such a small space! These pieces have been precision mitered and reassembled and then turned on the wood lathe. This is a true study in joinery precision that can only be accomplished by master woodworkers.

The mirror system in this scope is the classic 60-60-60 or equilateral triangle. The difference in my scope is the perfect alignment and size of the mirrors. The focal length for this scope is 9 7/8 inches with 1-1/4 inch wide mirrors to create a very generous view.

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!

Note: This scope was very difficult to capture the internal image. The images that have large pieces are closer to true size, they have only been cropped. The images that have a halo around them and look small are resized.