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Distillation Collection

"Unveiling the Art of Distillation: A Journey through Time and Techniques" Step into the world of distillation, as depicted in a 16th-century woodcut

Background imageDistillation Collection: Distillation, 16th century woodcut

Distillation, 16th century woodcut
Distillation. Coloured 16th century woodcut depicting apparatus used for distillation. Two liquids to be distilled are being heated in large flasks (bottom left and right)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Calvados Distilling

Calvados Distilling
A local yokel sits beside Calvados distillation equipment on a Normandy farm

Background imageDistillation Collection: Rectification Device

Rectification Device
Antique illustration of a DesireSavalles device for rectifying alcohol

Background imageDistillation Collection: Chemistry Appliances

Chemistry Appliances
Alembics and distillation appliances for processes such as subliming Volatile Sal Ammoniac (bottom left) : at bottom right is a Sand Bath at Work Date: circa 1790

Background imageDistillation Collection: Human invention anticipated: Distilling (engraving)

Human invention anticipated: Distilling (engraving)
8657925 Human invention anticipated: Distilling (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Distilling)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Cross section through a potato spirit distillery (colour litho)

Cross section through a potato spirit distillery (colour litho)
8663664 Cross section through a potato spirit distillery (colour litho) by Dressel, August (b.1862) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cross section through a potato spirit distillery)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Photocard, 1930s: Rotterdam (coloured photo)

Photocard, 1930s: Rotterdam (coloured photo)
8671650 Photocard, 1930s: Rotterdam (coloured photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Rotterdam)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Photocard, 1930s: Hamburg (coloured photo)

Photocard, 1930s: Hamburg (coloured photo)
8671642 Photocard, 1930s: Hamburg (coloured photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hamburg)

Background imageDistillation Collection: France, Limousin: professional installation of distillery employees with their equipment and tools

France, Limousin: professional installation of distillery employees with their equipment and tools
LUX4747186 France, Limousin: professional installation of distillery employees with their equipment and tools, 1895 - liqueur brandy, Desire Taillandier, steam distillery; (add.info.: France)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Apparatus for the distillation of pyroligneous acid or wood vinegar, early 19th century

Apparatus for the distillation of pyroligneous acid or wood vinegar, early 19th century
FLO4590895 Apparatus for the distillation of pyroligneous acid or wood vinegar, early 19th century. Copperplate engraving by Wilson Lowry after a drawing by William Thomson from Abraham Rees

Background imageDistillation Collection: Indigenes Chamarro d'Agagna (Guam Island), distilling alcohol and costumes of ritual dancers

Indigenes Chamarro d'Agagna (Guam Island), distilling alcohol and costumes of ritual dancers (Mariana Islands)
FLO4636298 Indigenes Chamarro d'Agagna (Guam Island), distilling alcohol and costumes of ritual dancers (Mariana Islands, USA)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)

Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)
672887 Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Distillation is a method of separating mixtures based on differences in volatilities of components in a boiling liquid mixture)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Distillation of Nitric Acid. Also known as Aqua Fortis or Parting Acid

Distillation of Nitric Acid. Also known as Aqua Fortis or Parting Acid, nitric acid was widely used in the refining
540742 Distillation of Nitric Acid. Also known as Aqua Fortis or Parting Acid, nitric acid was widely used in the refining and assaying of metals

Background imageDistillation Collection: Still for the production of distilled water, engraving from 1851

Still for the production of distilled water, engraving from 1851, extracted from Regnault's "elementaire de
PCT4266364 Still for the production of distilled water, engraving from 1851, extracted from Regnault's "elementaire de chimie".; (add.info.: Still for the production of distilled water)

Background imageDistillation Collection: First distillery of Tonkin, c. 1890, 'Le Tonkin in 1900' by Robert Dubois

First distillery of Tonkin, c. 1890, "Le Tonkin in 1900" by Robert Dubois
LSE4094398 First distillery of Tonkin, c. 1890, "Le Tonkin in 1900" by Robert Dubois.; National Library, Hanoi, Vietnam; (add.info.: First distillery of Tonkin, c)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Woulfe's alchemical apparatus for distilling the elixir. Peter Woulfe (1727-1803)

Woulfe's alchemical apparatus for distilling the elixir. Peter Woulfe (1727-1803) was an Irish chemist
FLO4590772 Woulfe's alchemical apparatus for distilling the elixir. Peter Woulfe (1727-1803) was an Irish chemist, mineralogist and alchemist

Background imageDistillation Collection: Cherry laurel tree, Prunus Lauro-cerasus

Cherry laurel tree, Prunus Lauro-cerasus
5855098 Cherry laurel tree, Prunus Lauro-cerasus; (add.info.: Cherry laurel tree, Prunus Lauro-cerasus. Handcoloured botanical illustration drawn by G)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Two alchemists distilling an Elixir, 16th century (engraving)

Two alchemists distilling an Elixir, 16th century (engraving)
3329492 Two alchemists distilling an Elixir, 16th century (engraving); (add.info.: Engraving depicting two alchemists distilling an Elixir, during the Elizabethan Period)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Garden of flowers and perfume distillery in Nice (France) - Engraving by Gabry

Garden of flowers and perfume distillery in Nice (France) - Engraving by Gabry, based on an illustration by E
FLO4689517 Garden of flowers and perfume distillery in Nice (France) - Engraving by Gabry, based on an illustration by E. Bourdelin, from Le Livre des Parfums by Eugene Rimmel (1820-1887), England

Background imageDistillation Collection: Production of tar from coal

Production of tar from coal
2602805 Production of tar from coal; (add.info.: Production of tar from coal by distillation. Engraving, Paris, 1885.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageDistillation Collection: France, Centre, Indre-et-Loire (37), Chemille-sur-Deme: vintage boiler, brick and wood barn

France, Centre, Indre-et-Loire (37), Chemille-sur-Deme: vintage boiler, brick and wood barn, copper still, 1895
LUX4760234 France, Centre, Indre-et-Loire (37), Chemille-sur-Deme: vintage boiler, brick and wood barn, copper still, 1895; (add.info.: France, Centre, Indre-et-Loire (37)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)

Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)
672888 Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Distillation is a method of separating mixtures based on differences in volatilities of components in a boiling liquid mixture)

Background imageDistillation Collection: France, Centre, Indre-et-Loire (37), Chemille-sur-Deme: still in a hollow path, peasants

France, Centre, Indre-et-Loire (37), Chemille-sur-Deme: still in a hollow path, peasants, vintage boiler
LUX4760191 France, Centre, Indre-et-Loire (37), Chemille-sur-Deme: still in a hollow path, peasants, vintage boiler, alcohol distillation, 1895; (add.info.: France, Centre, Indre-et-Loire (37)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Winery Michel Sabatier in Carcassonne. Distillation laboratory. 1907 (b/w photo)

Winery Michel Sabatier in Carcassonne. Distillation laboratory. 1907 (b/w photo)
PCT4256277 Winery Michel Sabatier in Carcassonne. Distillation laboratory. 1907 (b/w photo)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Letter D Distillator (spirits, liqueurs, perfumes). Engraving in ' Instructive abecedaire des arts

Letter D Distillator (spirits, liqueurs, perfumes). Engraving in " Instructive abecedaire des arts et
DUV4211442 Letter D Distillator (spirits, liqueurs, perfumes). Engraving in " Instructive abecedaire des arts et metiers"

Background imageDistillation Collection: Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)

Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)
672881 Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Distillation is a method of separating mixtures based on differences in volatilities of components in a boiling liquid mixture)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Methods of condensing the producing of distillation. Fig. 1 shows the beak of an alembic attached

Methods of condensing the producing of distillation. Fig. 1 shows the beak of an alembic attached to a worm coiling
2604807 Methods of condensing the producing of distillation. Fig. 1 shows the beak of an alembic attached to a worm coiling through a tub of cold water

Background imageDistillation Collection: France, Poitou-Charentes, Vienne (86): vintage boiler with still and barrels of eau de vie, 1900

France, Poitou-Charentes, Vienne (86): vintage boiler with still and barrels of eau de vie, 1900
LUX4771235 France, Poitou-Charentes, Vienne (86): vintage boiler with still and barrels of eau de vie, 1900; (add.info.: France, Poitou-Charentes)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Letters A Farmer; B Boulanger; C Charron (makes carts and ploughs); D Distiller (brandies)

Letters A Farmer; B Boulanger; C Charron (makes carts and ploughs); D Distiller (brandies, liquors, perfumes)
DUV4211418 Letters A Farmer; B Boulanger; C Charron (makes carts and ploughs); D Distiller (brandies, liquors, perfumes). Engraving in "An instructive alphabet of arts and crafts"

Background imageDistillation Collection: Distillation apparatus, 16th Century (woodcut)

Distillation apparatus, 16th Century (woodcut)
8663805 Distillation apparatus, 16th Century (woodcut) by German School, (16th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Distillation apparatus, 16th Century)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Photocard, 1930s: Edinburgh (coloured photo)

Photocard, 1930s: Edinburgh (coloured photo)
8671677 Photocard, 1930s: Edinburgh (coloured photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Edinburgh)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Distillation of medicines. Female in centre is sorting herbs to be used in various concoctions

Distillation of medicines. Female in centre is sorting herbs to be used in various concoctions
527489 Distillation of medicines. Female in centre is sorting herbs to be used in various concoctions. From Le livre de la propriete des choses (On the Properites of Things)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)

Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)
672892 Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Distillation is a method of separating mixtures based on differences in volatilities of components in a boiling liquid mixture)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)

Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)
672889 Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Distillation is a method of separating mixtures based on differences in volatilities of components in a boiling liquid mixture)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Alembic still with cucurbit flask and stil-head, alcohol still

Alembic still with cucurbit flask and stil-head, alcohol still, and subliming aludel or Hermetic vase
FLO4590751 Alembic still with cucurbit flask and stil-head, alcohol still, and subliming aludel or Hermetic vase. Copperplate engraving by Wilson Lowry from Abraham Rees Cyclopedia or Universal

Background imageDistillation Collection: 2 laboratory stills to distil volatile liquids. Engravings illustrating the ' Course elementaire

2 laboratory stills to distil volatile liquids. Engravings illustrating the " Course elementaire de chimie"
PCT4266356 2 laboratory stills to distil volatile liquids. Engravings illustrating the " Course elementaire de chimie" by Regnault

Background imageDistillation Collection: An Alembic. Engraving, London, 1866

An Alembic. Engraving, London, 1866
2604803 An Alembic. Engraving, London, 1866.; (add.info.: An Alembic. Engraving, London, 1866.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageDistillation Collection: Illustration late 19th century for history (tale) 'The elixir of the reverend father Gaucher' by

Illustration late 19th century for history (tale) "The elixir of the reverend father Gaucher" by Alphonse
PCT4296591 Illustration late 19th century for history (tale) "The elixir of the reverend father Gaucher" by Alphonse Daudet in " Les Lettres de mon Moulin" - distillery

Background imageDistillation Collection: Shipboard cooking equipment and apparatus for distilling sea water, 1850

Shipboard cooking equipment and apparatus for distilling sea water, 1850
3330779 Shipboard cooking equipment and apparatus for distilling sea water, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving of shipboard cooking equipment and apparatus for distilling sea water)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Dispensary and laboratory of an Arab perfumer chemist of the 12th century - Chromolithography of a

Dispensary and laboratory of an Arab perfumer chemist of the 12th century - Chromolithography of a Persian manuscript
FLO4689559 Dispensary and laboratory of an Arab perfumer chemist of the 12th century - Chromolithography of a Persian manuscript of the 12th century

Background imageDistillation Collection: The interior of a perfume factory in Nice (France), with its large distillery - Engraving by

The interior of a perfume factory in Nice (France), with its large distillery - Engraving by Lambert after an
FLO4689485 The interior of a perfume factory in Nice (France), with its large distillery - Engraving by Lambert after an illustration by E

Background imageDistillation Collection: Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)

Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)
672890 Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Distillation is a method of separating mixtures based on differences in volatilities of components in a boiling liquid mixture)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)

Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)
672878 Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Distillation is a method of separating mixtures based on differences in volatilities of components in a boiling liquid mixture)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)

Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving)
672891 Distillation of alcohol. 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Distillation is a method of separating mixtures based on differences in volatilities of components in a boiling liquid mixture)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Cross section through a potato spirit distillery (colour litho)

Cross section through a potato spirit distillery (colour litho)
8663667 Cross section through a potato spirit distillery (colour litho) by Dressel, August (b.1862) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cross section through a potato spirit distillery)

Background imageDistillation Collection: The Sixth Key of Basil Valentine, legendary 15th century German monk

The Sixth Key of Basil Valentine, legendary 15th century German monk, showing the marriage of the alchemical king (gold)
535622 The Sixth Key of Basil Valentine, legendary 15th century German monk, showing the marriage of the alchemical king (gold) and queen (silver)

Background imageDistillation Collection: Office of Hiram Walker and Sons, Walkerville, Ont. between 1905 and 1915. Creator: Unknown

Office of Hiram Walker and Sons, Walkerville, Ont. between 1905 and 1915. Creator: Unknown
Office of Hiram Walker and Sons, Walkerville, Ont. between 1905 and 1915. View of waterfront from pergola

Background imageDistillation Collection: 'Looking Out' - painted by F. W. Topham - from the Exhibition of the Society of Painters in Water

"Looking Out" - painted by F. W. Topham - from the Exhibition of the Society of Painters in Water Co Creator
"Looking Out" - painted by F. W. Topham - from the Exhibition of the Society of Painters in Water Colours, 1856




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"Unveiling the Art of Distillation: A Journey through Time and Techniques" Step into the world of distillation, as depicted in a 16th-century woodcut. Witness the age-old process that has shaped industries and delighted palates for centuries. From Calvados Distilling to Rectification Devices, explore the diverse range of tools used to refine spirits. Chemistry appliances take center stage, showcasing their crucial role in transforming raw materials into precious elixirs. Delve into a wood engraving from 1880 depicting the preparation of diethyl ether, a testament to the scientific advancements in distillation during that era. Traveling across continents, we encounter old amphorae at "La Caravedo" Hacienda & Distillery in Peru, where Pisco Porton is crafted with utmost care. The Glendronach distillery beckons us next with its Scottish whisky production near Huntly – an embodiment of tradition and craftsmanship. Venturing further back in time, Nelson Boyd's depiction from 1875 reveals Wallachians Distilling Slivovitz in Danubian Principalities. This glimpse into history showcases how distillation has been intertwined with cultural practices throughout generations. The German industry takes center stage next as we witness black-and-white photos capturing perfume manufacturing processes from the 1930s. These images highlight how distillation techniques extend beyond alcoholic beverages to create fragrances that captivate our senses. Intriguing lithographs from L'Assiette au Beurre magazine transport us to early 20th-century France. Satirical yet thought-provoking illustrations depict childhood experiences intertwined with religion and wine culture – all influenced by the art itself. Finally, an enchanting engraving showcases an alambic - a symbol synonymous with this ancient craft. Its intricate design represents both tradition and innovation; it stands as a testament to human ingenuity throughout history's pursuit of perfection in distillation.