Théâtrophone was a telephonic distribution system available in portions of Europe that allowed the subscribers to listen to opera and theatre performances over the telephone lines. The théâtrophone evolved from a Clément Ader invention, which was first demonstrated in 1881, in Paris. Subsequently, in 1890, the invention was commercialized by Compagnie du Théâtrophone, which continued to operate until 1932.
Le Théâtrophone, an 1896 lithograph from the Les Maitre de L'Affiches series by Jules Chéret
Diagram of the théâtrophone prototype at the Opera, during the World Exhibition in Paris (1881).
An 1884 caricature by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro depicts King Luís I of Portugal listening to opera on théâtrophone.
Le théâtrophone. An illustration from Le Magasin pittoresque (1892).
Clément Ader was a French inventor and engineer who was born near Toulouse in Muret, Haute-Garonne, and died in Toulouse. He is remembered primarily for his pioneering work in aviation. In 1870 he was also one of the pioneers in the sport of cycling in France.
Clément Ader
Patent drawings of Clement Ader's Éole.
Clement Ader's Eole French patent 205155, 19 April 1890.
Clément Ader's Avion III is still displayed at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris.
