The Forgotten Showman closed on 21 February 2021. For details of our current exhibitions, take a look at our what’s on page.
This exhibition uncovered how Robert Paul, the forgotten pioneer of cinematography, invented British cinema.
The year is 1894—a time of competition and innovation. Young engineer Robert Paul is sitting in his workshop when two businessmen arrive with the proposition of a lifetime.
In this exhibition, we invited you to discover the beginnings of a new industry, enter the magic of the music hall and witness the race for the next big thing in entertainment: cinema. In the heart of Bradford, the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, we proudly revealed the story of this forgotten hero of cinema, 150 years after his birth.
Poster advertising Paul’s ‘Living Pictures’, c.1897
© Science Museum Group Collection
Filoscope (lever operated flicker book), c.1900
© Science Museum Group Collection
Panel from Time Traveller: Robert Paul and the Invention of Cinema by ILYA
Paul's Cinematograph Camera No. 2, 1896
© Science Museum Group Collection
Three frames from 'Incident Outside Clovelly Cottage', 1895
© Science Museum Group Collection
Still from 'Rough Sea at Dover', 1895
Paul's Theatrograph Projector No 2 Mark 1, 1896
© Science Museum Group Collection
Catalogue of Paul's projection apparatus, 1904
Lumière cinématographe, c.1895
© Science Museum Group Collection
Bragg-Paul Pulsator, model II, 1938–1939
© Science Museum Group Collection
Variety bill, 1896
© Science Museum Group Collection
Robert Paul
