I wish I could go to the 3D Victoriana event at Observatory this Friday, but I’m going to see Spiritualized perform Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space at Radio City Music Hall (good lawd do I love Radio City!).

Filmmaker and collector Ronni Thomas will lecture on the history of macabre 3D spectacles of the Victorian age, especially the infamous Diableries series–masterfully designed 3D stereo ’tissues’ created in france in the 19th century, backlit and featuring ornate scenes depicting the daily life of Satan in Hell (seen above).Tongue in cheek and often controversial, these macabre spectacles give us a very interesting look at the 19th century’s lighthearted obsession with death and the macabre, serving as a wonderful demonstration of the Victorian fascination with themes such as the afterlife, heaven, hell and death.

Anyone who goes should definitely report back — I want to hear all about the double exposure ghosts! Find more details at Observatory.