American-born Briton Birt Acres began working on his design for a film camera just a few years after George Eastman started playing around with “roll film”, the film used to record motion pictures. But while Eastman's work led to the setting up of Kodak in 1888, Acres' equally pioneering efforts ended in frustration and a failed friendship.
Born to British parents in Richmond, Virginia in 1854, (both of whom died in the American Civil War), Acres was sent to France by his aunt to study art and science. After a stint in the Wild West, Acres arrived in England in 1880, still only in his mid-20s.
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9 March 1776: Adam Smith publishes 'The Wealth of Nations'
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7 March 1969: Queen Elizabeth II officially opens the Victoria Line
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