IMPROVEMENTS -IN THE MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR COPYING AND REPRODUCING SULPTURE AND OTHER OBJECTS OF ART
Year: 1863

page_text: of Middlesex, Engineer and Patent Agent, for the Invention of
IMPROVEMENTS -IN THE MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR COPYING AND REPRODUCING
SULPTURE AND OTHER OBJECTS OF ART."-A communication from abroad
by Francois Willème, of 29, Boulevart St. Martin, Paris, Sculptor.
Sealed the 9th June 1863, and dated the 28th January 1863.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Clark at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
28th January 1863.
I, WILLIAM CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR COPYING AND
REPRODUCING SCULPTURE AND OTHER OBJECTS OF ART," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to an improved process termed photo-sculpture,
which is based on the employment of photography in connection with
the pantograph. By this improved process I am enabled to produce
sculpture exactly-similar to the model (whether living or otherwise) with
much greater rapidity at less cost, and by the aid of persons having no
previous knowledge of the art.
The operation is effected as follows:-I place the model E, see Fig. 1
of the annexed Drawing (living or otherwise) in the centre of a ring
furnished with object glasses A, B, C, D, placed at equal distances
apart at the same height, or it may be dark chambers in which the

page_text: model may be delineated. The greater the number of the object glasses
the greater finish the sculpture will attain, these glasses acting in con-
cert, the duration of the sitting will be the same as when using a single
glass.
1 will here only refer to four glasses, as seen in the Drawing, in order
to render the description more clear. These object glasses are placed
at equal distances from the centre and from each other. The first one
A, photographs the face; the second, B, the profile; the third, C, the
back; the fourth D, the other profile. I take two pantographs I, L,
of suitable kind, acting at right angles on the material to be sculptured
(which may be either hard or soft) which is carried on a revolving plat-
form F, divided into as many parts as there are object glasses or photo-
graphic proofs. Two tablets G, H, are applied so as to approach or
recede from the revolving platform F, which motion is regulated by the
form of the sculpture to be produced; these tablets receive the one H,
the photograph A', obtained by the object glass A; the other G, the
photograph B', obtained from B. In order that the photograph shall
exactly correspond with each other when placed on the vertical tablets
G, H; said tablets are traversed together with the photographs by one
or several horizontal and vertical lines N, O, P, Q, Fig. 4, and by the
aid of pointer J of the pantograph I. I follow the contour of the photo-
graph B' placed on G. The opposite pointer K executes the same move-
ment as pointer J, and thus produces an exact profile in sculpture on the
material carried on platform F; the other pantograph L, which is at
right angles to I, acts in the same manner, and produces the figure. Two
other pantographs placed at right angles to each other may operate at
same time in a similar manner to that above described, by a combination
of the two pointers K, M, Figs. 2 and 3, of the pantographs I, L, the
contour may be thus traced. The photograph B', placed on the tablet
G, represents the profile only, but in order to produce a front view of the
ear, the pointer K reproduces the outline of the ear without any pro-
jections, while the pointer M will give it the necessary prominence by
following the outline of the copy A' placed at H. The pantographs are
similar to those employed in reducing, with this difference, that instead
of copying sculpture already produced, I employ them for creating such
objects (either increasing or diminishing) by the aid of photography.
Any apparatus of a similar character may also be applied. If instead
of using four object glasses the number be increased to twenty-four, for
example, the number should be always divisible by four, the fourth of
the circumference, always giving a right angle corresponding to the two
pantographs, which when united, form a right angle. The photographs
should be numbered, and platform F divided into twenty-four parts;

page_text: this number always corresponds to that of the photographs obtained.
Every time the tablets G, H, receive fresh photographic proofs, the
platform F turns one division, and the proofs placed in G, H, should
follow each other as under,-
and son up o
These numbers being divided by 4, form a right angle similar to that
of the pantographs, and bear out the explanation which tends to prove
that in order to obtain the exact projection two photographs are required,
one representing the face view and the other the profile of said face. In
order to obtain bas-reliefs, the object glasses employed form a semicircle
only, as A, B, C, Fig. 1, the platform F being also in a half circle repre-
sented at Fig. 5, by R, S, from Numbers 1 to 13, Fig. 6. The photo-
graphic proofs A', B', C', obtained should be divided in the centre and
placed on a strip of india-rubber previously stretched on a frame
T, U, V, X, on the india-rubber returning to its original position
V', X', it will be readily understood that the figures A', C', will have
been subjected to a sensible amount of narrowing (see a, c,) in the width
only. The Figure B' giving the profile and occupying the centre
between C and A, Fig. 1, and Number 7, Fig. 5 not requiring any change
of form is not placed on the india-rubber. This profile which is the
face for a bas-relief should always have the same outline as a round
figure. In order to obtain bas-relief sculpture by the aid of these con-
tracted proofs (with the exception of the centre one) I employ the same
means as above described, with this difference, however, that when one
tablet receives a contracted photograph for furnishing the projections,
the other will receive a photograph not similarly contracted for giving
the contour.
In order to obtain round grotesque sculpture as at y, z, it is only
necessary to employ the proof contracted by the india-rubber, the pro-
cess being otherwise the same as for producing round figures before
described. In order to obtain counterparts, it is sufficient to use moulds
directly, or the proof obtained by turning it.
If photography assisted by the pantograph does not impart to the
sculpture a sufficiently colossal size, I obviate this by the employment of
a solar microscope or other known means for enlarging photographic
proofs. When using a solar microscope, the vertical plane which receives
the enlarged photographic image may be substituted for the plate G, H.

page_text: The smallest microscopic objects may thus be sculptured in very large
proportions.
In order to obtain sculpture in marble, stone, wood, ivory, plaster, or
other hard matter, I replace the points K, M, of the pantograph by
means of drills, scrapers, or pointers, of greater resistance than those
used for modelling softer materials. If it is required to obtain an exact
copy of a piece of sculpture of increased or diminished size, or to pro-
duce counterparts of objects which may remain a long time in position,
a single photographic apparatus is sufficient, in which case, the revolving
platform F carrying said object is divided into as many parts as there
are photographic proofs obtained, and for each one the platform turns
one division, the rest of the operation being conducted as before when
dividing by four.
I may also by means of photographs,-made as before, together with
the pantograph, with a quantity of pieces or strips of wood for example,
the number of which is determined beforehand on the model, each
piece being an exact representation of a corresponding part of the model,
-form a whole, which on being united will produce a piece of sculpture
similar to the model. Each strip is produced at the same time, and may
be made mechanically in large quantities. I have thus shown, that by
the aid of photography I may produce sculpture from a living model or
from an inert mass capable of remaining for any length of time in posi-
tion, as also from microscopic objects. The sculpture equalling the
model in proportions; I may also obtain it of reduced dimensions, or I
may enlarge it by the aid of the pantograph or solar miscroscope alone.
I also produce counterparts of sculpture in bas-relief
grotesque, whether the material be of a hard or soft nature.
The advantage possessed by this Invention, is, that the sculpture pro-
duced is equal to the model, and may be formed by any person in less
time and cost than in ordinary requiring for a living model a sitting of
a few seconds only.
or in the
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
27th July 1863.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, 1, WILLIAM
COME
CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer and
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-eighth day of January, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, in the twenty-

page_text: sixth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said William Clark, Her special licence that I,
the said William Clark, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or
such others as I, the said William Clark, my executors, administrators,.
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to
time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and
Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS AND APPARATUS
FOR COPYING AND REPRODUCING SCULPTURE AND OTHER OBJECTS OF ALT," a con".
to me from abroad by Francois Willème, of 29, Boulevart
St. Martin, Paris, Sculptor, upon the condition (amongst others) that
I, the said William Clark, my executors or administrators, by an instru-
ment in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the
same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Clark, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement, reference being had to the Sheet of Drawings here-
unto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to
say):―
This Invention relates to an improved process termed photo-sculpture,
which is based on the employment of photography in connection with the
pantograph. By this improved process I am enabled to produce
sculpture exactly similar to the model, whether living or otherwise,
with much greater rapidity, at a less cost, and by the aid of persons
having no previous knowledge of the art. I may further lessen the time
necessary for the sitting, and produce sculpture of larger or smaller
dimensions than the original, or in any other proportions desired. The
operation is effected as follows:-I place the model E, Fig. 1 of the
annexed Drawing (living or otherwise), on the centre of a ring furnished
with object glasses A, B, C, D, placed at equal distances apart, at the
same height, or it may be dark chambers in which the model may be
delineated. The greater the number of the object glasses the greater
finish the sculpture will attain. I will here only refer to four glasses,
as seen in the Drawing, in order to render the description clear, although
their number may be varied, and generally consists of from twenty to
thirty. All the object glasses are arranged in such manner as to act
simultaneously when desired, for which purpose I connect all the tablets

page_text: covering the object glasses together by means of a cord, the ends of
which are held in the hand or hands of the operator, the opening and
closing of the tablets is thus rendered simultaneous. I may also employ
_any other means for producing said action. The time occupied in a
sitting is not longer than that ordinarily required for taking a photo-
graph. These object glasses are placed at equal distances from the
centre and from each other in the examples shown in the Drawing. The
first one, A, photographs the face; the second, B, the profile or side view
on the one side; the third, C, the back; and the fourth, D, the profile or
side view on the other side. The photographic proofs, thus obtained,
represent several aspects of the same subject at the same moment, and
in the same position; and I may use one, two, or more of these proofs
by arranging them so as to be able to follow their outlines by means of
one, two, or more pantographs. It is necessary to illuminate the photo-
graphs at the back by means of a lamp or other means.
Figs. 2 and 3 represent a plan and elevation of the apparatus furnished
with two pantographs I, L, of a suitable kind acting at right angles on
the material to be sculptured (which may be either hard or soft) carried
on a revolving platform F divided into as many parts as there are object
glasses or photographic proofs. In cases where one pantograph only is
used, which I generally prefer, the platform F may be made to move
backwards and forwards in addition to its rotating motion.
Fig. 2
represents the application of two pantographs having various move-
ments. Two tablets G, H, are applied so as to approach or recede from
the revolving platform F, which motion is regulated by the form of the
sculpture to be produced. These tablets receive the one, H, the photo-
graph A', obtained by the object glass A; the other, G, the photograph
B', obtained from B. In order that the photographs shall have positions
corresponding exactly with each other when placed on the vertical
tablets G, H, said tablets are traversed together with the photographs
by one or several horizontal and vertical lines N, O, P, Q, Fig. 4, and
by the aid of pointer J, of the pantograph I, I follow the contour of the
photograph B' placed on G. The opposite pointer K executes the same
movement as the pointer J, and thus produces an exact profile on the
material to be sculptured carried on platform F; the other pantograph L,
which is at right angles to I, acts in the same manner and reproduces
the figure A. I thus obtain by simultaneous or successive operations
not only the external contour, but also the outline of the hollows and
projections, each photographic proof furnishing its contingent to the
work. I can also avail myself of the effects of light and shade. What-
ever may be the number of object glasses I divide and number. in
exactly the same manner both the photographs and platform F in such

page_text: manner that every time fresh photographs are placed in the tablets I
may place the platform F at a corresponding division. Fig. 5 represents
the platform with 24 divisions, suitable for the use of two pantographs
by combining the letters and figures (viz.); No. 1 in H corresponds to
No. 7 in G; No. 2 in H corresponds to 8 in G; No. 3 in H corresponds
to No. 9 in G; No. 4 in H corresponds to 10 in G, and so on up to 24
in number in H and terminating in 6 in G.
In order to obtain bas-reliefs the object glasses employed form a semi-
circle only, the platform F being also in a half circle, represented by
R, S, from Nos. 1 to 13. In order to obtain caricatures the photo-
graphs A, B, C, obtained should be divided in the centre and placed
on a strip of india-rubber previously stretched on a frame T, U, V, X,
Fig. 6. On the india-rubber returning to its original position T', V',
and U', X', it will be readily understood that the Figure A', C', will
have been subjected to a sensible amount of narrowing (see A, C,) in
the width only. The Fig. B' giving the profile and occupying the centre
between C and A, Fig. 1, and No. 7, Fig. 5, not requiring any change
of form, is not placed on the india-rubber. This profile, which is the
face for a bas-relief, should always have the same outline as a round
figure. In order to obtain bas-relief sculpture by the aid of these con-
tracted proofs (with the exception of the centre one) I employ the same
means as above described, with this difference, however, that when
one tablet receives a contracted photograph for furnishing the projec-
tions the other will receive a photograph not similarly contracted for
giving the outline. In order to obtain round grotesque sculpture, as at
y, z, it is only necessary to employ the proofs elongated by the india-
rubber, the process being otherwise the same as for producing round
figures before described. In order to obtain counterparts it is suffi-
cient to take casts directly from the proof obtained by turning it round.
If photography assisted by the pantograph does not impart to this
sculpture a colossal size I obviate this by the employment of a solar
microscope or other known means for enlarging photographic proofs.
When using a solar microscope the vertical plane which receives the
enlarged photographic image may be substituted for the tablets G, H.
The smallest microscopic objects may thus be sculptured on very large
proportions. In order to obtain sculpture in marble, stone, wood, ivory,
plaster, or other hard matter, I replace the points K, M, of the panto-
graph by means of drills, scrapers, or pointers of greater hardness than
those used for modelling soft materials.
Sheet 1 of the Drawing represents the means employed for producing
what I term mechanical sculpture by the application of numerous out-
lines combined together. For this purpose I may employ any material

page_text: capable of being divided into thin sheets, cut, turned, stamped, or
planed, such as all kinds of metals, marble, stone, mother-of-pearl, ivory,
bone, shell, alabaster, leather, pasteboard, india-rubber, and all kinds
of woods. In order to render the process understood I will suppose
.the operation to be carried out in wood for producing the model, Fig. 7
in the round, which rests on a platform B divided into 40 parts, and
capable of rotation. I divide a circle G, Fig. 8, into 40 parts, or it may
be smaller or larger than the greatest diameter of the model, accordingly.
as I wish to obtain a product of equal size, or of larger or smaller
dimensions. I plane the long strips of wood D, Fig. 9, so as to produce
sharp angles a, b, c, forming one of 'the 40 divisions of the circle G, in
such manner that 40 of these planed strips when cut of the height of
the model and united will form a cylinder E, Fig. 10. I then by means
of a pantograph or drawing apparatus trace on each strip one of the
outlines of the model from A to B' (A' corresponding to the centre of
the platform. I then turn said platform one division, and trace on the
second strip of wood a fresh outline corresponding to this new division,
and so on for each of the 40 divisions. I then cut the outline on each
of the 40 strips of the wood by means of a saw or otherwise, and obtain
two pieces F, G, from each strip Fig. 11. By uniting the pieces G by
means of glue, pegs, nails, or otherwise I obtain a form on which to mould
the pieces F forming the sculpture in the rough, which is finished off
by removing all the small angles left on each of the strips. The method
of connection varies according to the nature of the strip to be united.
The bas-relief H, Fig. 13, is placed in such manner as to slide in a groove,
each outline being reproduced on paper by sliding it a division each
time. I then take as many pieces of wood (which should be of consider-
able thickness) as there are divisions, and consequently of outline
drawings, and then cut each of these pieces according to the outline of
one of the divisions on the paper. I thus obtain from each block of
wood two pieces, I the hollow part, and J the relief, as seen at Fig. 14.
Then by splitting each piece of wood into sheets of a thickness deter-
mined by that of the divisions of the bas-relief, I obtain as many copies
of the bas-relief identical with the model as there are sheets obtained
from the block of wood, it being simply necessary to unite all the parts
together in the same order as the divisions. From each strip may be
formed a mould or counterpart in metal, and consequently a similar
number of strips of materials be obtained capable of being stamped
out or otherwise produced. In order to obtain a large number of proofs
at a time, I may adapt each strip G to the strips F forming the sculpture,
whether of wood or metal. I then form a cylinder as at E, Fig. 10, by
:

page_text: means of angular strips of wood solidly connected together at the two
ends, and mount said cylinder in a lathe as at Fig. 12, and then turn
it of the form of G, as if producing a simple moulding, and on removing
said cylinder I shall have obtained forty copies of the same profile. By
proceeding in the same manner for each of the 40 patterns G, I may
obtain 40 copies of the statue by taking a piece of each of the forty
turned cylinders, and connecting said pieces together according to the
order of the 40 divisions traced by the model. I may employ cylinders
of solid woods, and turn and afterwards cut them as described; only
in this case the thickness of the saw should be taken into consideration:
The model or sculpture in modellers' clay may also be cut into sheets
by means of a very fine saw or wire; when it is wished to produce copies
of the same size these sheets would serve as an alternative or indirectly
in the conditions above mentioned. When working from nature with
the photograph and the pantograph, as before stated, I can reproduce
each of these photographs on a strip of wood, divided in the centre as
at Q, R, Fig. 16, which bands are then cut to the outline, and afterwards
united. This arrangement may also be applied to serve as a guide in
modelling by cutting them out in thin material of the same form as the
photographs. After having connected either the strip of wood or the
proof on thin material or metal it is only necessary to fill up the spaces
between the strips with clay in order to produce an exact model. Fig. 17
represents a mould formed of strips of metal, such as steel, iron, or
copper, produced in the manner above described for wood, which are
then finished with shears. The strips are secured by nuts V, and each
of them is filed at S, T, the file marks being made deep at T, and but
just visible at S. In this manner the mould on being formed will be
studded with small holes, which serve to render it porous without
prejudice to the beauty of the model to be obtained.
I will observe that the object glasses may either be placed in a circle,
ellipsis, or in other suitable position. I may also place the proofs at
variable distances apart, and differing one from another. I may also
reduce the proportions of the models to the same conditions by enlarging
the proofs, it being sufficient that the material to be sculptured should
reproduce the conditions of the several copies in such manner as to
furnish the several aspects of a living or inert subject in sufficient number
to permit of its complete reconstitution of the desired scale. I can
employ any suitable photographic system, as also any other mode of
obtaining pictures in the conditions above stated as necessary and
sufficient; as also any arrangement for producing the simultaneous action
of all the object glasses. I may further employ any kind of pantograph.
diagraph, or other apparatus, and use one, two, or more pantographs

page_text: combined, or any other apparatus suitable for copying or drawing will
answer the purpose desired, and enable the production of the system of
photo-sculpture herein described.
Having described the nature of this Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, I declare that what I claim as the Invention to
be protected by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patents is,-
First, the improved process of this Invention, by means of which I
obtain sculpture of any desired size from a living or inert subject, said
process consisting in the application of photography under certain con-
ditions, in combination with one or several pantographs or equivalent
apparatus, and of a platform for carrying the subject, which is divided
into as many parts as there are views of the subject model or object to
be photo-sculptured; this platform being capable of assuming all the
positions corresponding to those of the views of the subject.
Secondly, I claim the new industrial product resulting from the
employment of the above means herein described.
Thirdly, I claim the several arrangements described for realizing the
different parts of this Invention, and for producing sculpture in
caricature, as described.
Fourthly, I also claim the methods of producing mechanical sculpture
by the aid of materials capable of being divided into thin strips, and
of being shaped, turned, stamped, or planed, as before described. I
may also in this case act direct on the inert model by means of a
pantograph or other equivalent apparatus without the aid of
photography.
Fifthly, I claim the several means described for producing sculpture
mechanically by uniting patterns cut in paper, wood, or other materials,
as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Clark, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of July, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
Witness,
JAMES DAISH,
53, Chancery Lane,
London.
W. CLARK. (L.B.)