Collection: Henry Bergeson Artist Profile

Henry Bergeson: Master of Mechanical and Kaleidoscopic Artistry

During his youth, Henry developed a love for all things mechanical. He took his passion to a new level with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, helping design sailing rigs for cargo ships to reduce fuel consumption. Henry's journey then led him to the Rocky Mountains, where he now lives with a view of Pikes Peak. He started making kaleidoscopes in the mid-1980s, and his designs reflect both the natural beauty of his surroundings and his technical expertise in engineering. The finish to his woodworking is second to none. Here at Kaleidoscopes To You, one of our greatest joys is building friendships and working relationships with our artists.

A Journey from Sailing to Kaleidoscopes:

Henry grew up in New England with a strong sailing background, which led to his master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a career in shipbuilding. He and his father built their own boat to sail across the Atlantic. After a storm and losing the boat in the North Atlantic, thankfully he and his father both survived. Henry decided it was time to close the chapter on sailing and oceans, moving instead to the Colorado Rockies.

There, he met and was mentored by Corki Weeks, an extraordinary and legendary kaleidoscope artist. Henry's studio, located west of Denver in the Rockies, offers awesome views of Pikes Peak. We visited after a spring snow and wondered how the UPS truck made it up there. We soon found out when a brown 4-wheel drive pickup with a huge topper pulled up to his studio. Henry was a gracious host during our visit four years ago. My oldest daughter, who was 4 at the time, even made a small snowman on the front porch of his studio as the mountain air was magnificent that day.

Craftsmanship and Creativity:

Henry's studio is filled with color and precision. Imagine a bead station that is a full cubicle of miniature clear drawers of bright glass beads and baubles. His attention to detail, smooth and sleek designs, and exquisite interior images are all at the top of the category of scopes. The smooth finish is as sleek as glass. The maple and bubinga woods are rich and modern. His designs are elegant, simple, and mechanically sublime. All these factors add up to the ultimate wood kaleidoscope.

Signature Pieces:

• The King’s Ransom: This is the ultimate interchangeable object cell kaleidoscope. This scope has been given to architects as a thank you with some of the actual building materials added into the cells. It has also been used for marriage proposals with the diamond engagement ring inside the cell (ring not included).

Here at Kaleidoscopes To You, we highly value Henry Bergeson's work, smooth woodworking, precise optics, and fine craftsmanship. For a truly unique gift for yourself or someone special, consider the meticulously detailed wood kaleidoscopes crafted by Henry Bergeson. These kaleidoscopes are not only works of art on the interior but also on the exterior, made from bubinga, maple, cherry, and other fine woods. KaleidoscopesToYou.com has a fine selection of Henry Bergeson kaleidoscopes, appropriate for collectors in two- and three-mirror systems, available in a range of prices. These wonderful wood kaleidoscopes may be proudly displayed on a desk, mantel, foyer table, or anywhere you want to present fine collectibles.

Whether choosing a standing or portable model, these unique works of art will provide you with hours of viewing pleasure. Learn more about Henry Bergeson and his kaleidoscope artistry at KaleidoscopesToYou.com.