Kaleidoscope Renaissance

Kaleidoscopes developed into an important new art form as an unprecedented renaissance began in the late 1970s. It gained momentum in the 1980s with an article in the November, 1982 issue of Smithsonian Magazine, followed by the publication in 1985 of the first book on the subject, Through the Kaleidoscope, by Cozy Baker. At the same time Cozy curated the world's first exhibition of kaleidoscopes at Strathmore Hall Arts Center in Bethesda, Maryland. One year after this exhibition, Cozy founded the Brewster Society.

The Brewster Kaleidoscope Society (BKS) was founded in 1986 by Cozy Baker as an international organization for kaleidoscope enthusiasts. Named after the inventor of the kaleidoscope, Sir David Brewster, its purpose is to share and promote the beauty, creativity, and joy of these mirrored tubes of magic. It serves as a network linking kaleidoscope artists, collectors, and retailers. Membership benefits include a quarterly newsletter, an annual convention, regional meetings, and a house/museum, maintained for members and open by appointment only.