The diorama was a popular theatrical experience originating in Paris in 1822. Patrons would file into a specially equipped theater and view paintings that would change in appearance. The standing audience would view a scene for 10 to 15 minutes and then a massive turntable would rotate the painting to a second scene. A popular example might be a traveling train before and after an accident or a daylight scene turning into a moonlight evening. The word diorama originated in 1823 and literally means “through that which is seen.” Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre and Charles Marie Bouton invented the diorama.

Today diorama usually refers to three dimensional, mostly miniature, glass enclosed models. And in our case the camera lens is the capture method.

Our Diorama Dogs book combines hobbies, collections, shopping and more. The project started with cardboard furniture and went on from there. Marianne arranged mid century interiors with furniture and accessories purchased on Etsy and eBay and from items found around the house. Tom did a special series of images with Lucky tucked inside our dioramas. And there would be no book without Marianne’s Metzler and Ortloff vintage ceramic dog collection. We hope you enjoy our Diorama Dogs; it was a most creative, rewarding project.