Understanding: Thaumatrope

A Thaumatrope is a toy that includes a small disk with a picture on either side, attached to two pieces of string. If the strings are twirled quickly enough it would appear as though the pictures would blend into one due to the Persistence of Vision. The toy was highly popular in the 19th century, having been invented in 1824.

Example of a Thaumatrope

John Ayrton Paris or Peter Mark Roget are usually the ones who are credited for the invention of the Thaumatrope, which is recognised as an important antecedent of animation.

I'm not sure if the Thaumatrope is still as popular as what it used to be when it was first invented. Unlike other techniques that rely on the Persistence of Vision (such as Kineographs) it doesn't have too many uses. Having said this, I do remember creating similar things as a child. I would draw two images both on separate, overlapped pieces of paper, and flick through the two very quickly to make it appear as though the image was moving, a similar effect to what the Thaumatrope creates. I think it could still be used as a good way to introduce someone to animation, as it covers the main concept of illusion of movement that animation also creates, especially as it is a quick and simple thing to produce. It's also much more portable than other devices (E.g. the Zoetrope) and it is something that you could very easily make yourself as the components are easy to come across and are cheap.