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Anamorphic coffee cup, designed by Ross McBride. The distorted lettering on the porcelain saucer is reflected in the mirrored stainless steel cup. The 'corrected' reflection in the cylindrical surface enables the lettering to be read clearly. Tea also available... (photos copyright © Russell Light) These designs are based on the same principles as anamorphoric paintings which became popular in the 17th century. Anamorphic pictures were often used to conceal political, religious and erotic images. The theory and practice of anamorphosis was first set out by Jean François Niceron in his 'La Perspective Curieuse', which was published in Paris in 1638. Laurante - Anamorphosis, 1630 (source: Wikimedia Commons) See also: The Brothers Quay and Anamorphosis

'Dormitorium: An Exhibition of Sets of Films by the Quay Brothers' is currently running at Liverpool's Victoria Gallery and Museum, from 25. March to 28. May 2011 (free admission). Further details are available here . In 1991, the Brothers Quay explored perspective drawing and the issues associated with perspectival distortion in a short film entitled 'Anamorphosis, or De Artificiali Perspectiva'. This beautifully filmed animation offers a excellent introduction to the secrets of anamorphosis. The film was made in collaboration with art historians, Sir Ernst Gombrich and Roger Cardinal. " Anamorphosis is a minor chapter in the vast and complex history of how painters have constructed images of the world. The film seeks to illuminate an artistic technique which plays mischievously yet revealingly with the relationship between the eye and what it sees. " The full film can be viewed on YouTube in 2 parts (total 13 mins) Part 1 Part 2 Additional links: BBC ...