File:Psychic Photography.jpg

English: This mysterious collection of images have been discovered within the photographic collections of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.

Reference: TWCMS -H13098-73-10

The lantern slides are from a series titled 'Psychic Photography From A New Angle' and feature eerie images of the supposedly paranormal and unknown forces caught on camera.

Very little is known of the origins of this collection. The slides were designed to accompany a lecture by a Mr C.P. MacCarthy of 15 Wilkinson Street, Sheffield.

Mr MacCarthy produced the images under test conditions in 1934 in front of an invited committee at 76 Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield. He states the intention was to ‘demonstrate under test conditions Fake Psychic Photography’ to this committee.

Mr MacCarthy states his three reasons for this demonstration.

1.To prove the possibility of Fake under test conditions. 2.To show you cannot be too critical of such phenomena. 3.To indicate the increasing scope for fraud with the probability of genuine spirit photography.

Mr MacCarthy further guarantees ‘in the sum of five pounds, payable to any charitable institution, that no collusion exists, or has existed between myself and any other party in connection with this demonstration.’

Little is currently known of the Psychic demonstration. Who sat on the invited committee? Who was Mr MacCarthy? Why was he investigating Psychic Photography?

Can you help us with this information?

(Copyright) We're happy for you to share these digital images within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk