Nikola Tesla (July 10, 1856 – January 7, 1943) was an inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist who’s known for his designs of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.
While he was born in what is now present-day Croatia, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1884. He studied and gained experience in the 1880s working in the brand new electric power industry. He worked for Edison Machine Works in NYC for a short time after which he went out on his own. Along with financial partners, he created several electrical devices which became the basis for the modern use of alternating current (AC). His AC induction motor was licensed by Westinghouse Electric in 1888, earning Tesla considerable money.
During the 1890s, Tesla worked on his ideas for wireless electric power distribution in New York and Colorado Springs. In his later years, his money spent, he lived in several NYC hotels and died leaving behind unpaid bills.
You can learn more about Nikola Tesla’s life and inventions, and the time period he lived in with these movies. Each approaches his life and work in different perspective. The Current War focuses on the rivalry between Thomas Edison and George Westinghous, both of whom Tesla worked for.
The Current War: Director’s Cut
For a more in-depth history of Nikola Tesla’s life and inventions, these books are a good place to start. Each book can give more insight on Tesla’s inventions and struggle to get them used in a practical fashion.
Nikola Tesla: Lectures and Patents
For anyone who is interested in practical science and/or Steampunk, any of the items shown on this page make a wonderful gift. All of them are appropriate for children and adults, therefore can be used in a classroom.
Nikola Tesla posters and wall art are really wonderful to put in your home, office or classroom. This first group is from Zazzle which allows you to personalize your piece. You can have these printed on posters, canvas, wood and more. You can also add a frame to many of these options. To see all the products and materials these designs are printed on, click through the link below. You can also transfer the design to another product such as a mug or paperweight.
Tesla Elecro-Magnet Motor Patent US381968 p 1-4 Wood Wall Art
More Tesla home decor products here.
For more gift ideas, browse through the items below. These are all from Etsy, which supports individual artists.
These blueprints come in a wide array of colors to match any decor. They look great on the wall individually or in a grouping like shown here.
Nikola Tesla Electrical Engineering Patent Blueprints
This shirt design is very cute and comes in several colors. Do you know someone who is electrifying?
I Think You’ll find Me Electrifying Tesla Shirt
If you need to fill a space on the wall, this quote by Tesla makes great statement piece. You have options as to the material it is printed on, and the size it comes in.
Personalized Wall Art Nikola Tesla Framed Ready-To-Hang
You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy coloring this book, while learning about the life of Nikola Tesla. It has 24 pages of drawings and information about Tesla. It includes a cut-out 3D Wardenclyffe tower on back for interactive fun.
A great quote t-shirt featuring Nikola Tesla and the dreams he had for the future. Select the size you need from the product page.
This is a real book in miniature size. It is a hardcover edition, leather-bound innerbook. The size is 53 x 38 mm (2.1 x 1.5 inch) with 487 pages and comes in a slip case.
My Inventions Autobiography of Nikola Tesla Miniature Book
This is a 3D printed bust of Nikola Tesla. Tesla has finally made it into the mainstream as the “cool” electrical engineer that embodied bold ideas and maverick designs that were far ahead of their time. It is more durable than alabaster or plaster, and is washable with lukewarm soapy water for easy spring cleaning. It comes on a custom plinth that has his name on the front. It stands 5 inches tall, about 3 inches wide, and 2 inches deep. It weighs about 3 ounces.
Nikola Tesla Famous Inventor, Electrical Engineer, and Futurist 5 Inch Bust
Straight from the laboratory of Nikola Tesla, the Electro Lamps utilize vintage-inspired bulbs to illuminate your home or office. The wooden box with vintage patina and solid brass details utilizes a rotary switch that independently controls each bulb. Available in a single or double fixture. Light bulbs sold separately. Recommended bulbs: Marconi and Radio.
This Tesla Electro Motor Patent Poster design comes in many print options. Choose between art print, framed print, or canvas print. Multiple size and color options are available. Please view all photos in this listing. Pictures of all color and frame options have been prepared. Details of sizing, packaging, hanging information, frame, and canvas detail are also included. Click through for the details.
Tesla Electro Motor Patent Poster
What a great way to illuminate these great scientific history figures. You can buy the set or get them separately. This artist specializes in portraits of famous figures. Browse through all the selections before you make a decision.
Set of 3 art prints, Nikola Tesla, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie Prints
This is a Nikola Tesla giclee on canvas. It’s available in rolled canvas: 2″ extra border for stretching or stretched canvas: 1 1/2″ thick stretcher with black sides – ready to hang.
This is a portrait of the scientist Nikola Tesla, sketch of Tesla’s electro-magnetic induction engine, “Tesla’s dove”, logo of the National Bank of Serbia/great coat-of-arms of the Republic of Serbia in the top left corner of the banknote, against blue background.
Nikola Tesla Pop Art – 100 dinar banknote
Another great Tesla t-shirt with a little humor added in. Comes in brown, navy, and black in a range of sizes.
Nikola Tesla T-Shirt, Famous Scientist Label Series
This is a really cool poster done in a unique Steampunk style. Only available in 12″ x 9″ size. Printed on 12×18 on 65# cover weight kraft paper.
Nikola Tesla Poster 12×18. Inventor
This Nikola Tesla Christmas ornament depicts an iconic image of the famous “mad scientist” and American cult classic hero, Nikola Tesla. This Christmas Ornament measures about 3″ in diameter and 3/16″ thick and is intricately engraved and cut from solid USA grown Black Cherry Hardwood. Finished with a non-toxic food-safe oil to enhance and protect the natural beauty of the wood.
Nikola Tesla Christmas Ornament
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Hello, I always love to get your newsletters, but today, seeing the amazing article with all of the included links and graphics about Nikola Tesla absolutely made my day. This man was far more than an inventor, visionary and author, he was truly an angel sent to mankind. I am a devout fan and am in the midst of collating all that I have amassed about Tesla. There are also some very interesting stories about his time in Colorado Springs-near Cripple Creek and the places where he stayed that appear in Linda Goodman's book, Sun Signs And Other Secret Codes Of the Universe. They, too, are worth looking at. Thank you so much for taking the time to remember and honor Nikola Tesla. One of my only regrets in life was that I was not alive to have been able to meet him although I do have my own true story about an amazing incident in my life regarding an electrical problem in my home that he seems to have fixed and which I would love to tell others if they wish to hear it.