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Home , Davenport brothers, Escapology, Exposure (magic), Magic (illusion), Sawing a woman in half

26 June 2021 to 16 January 2022 LIST OF WORKS

Magic is one of the world’s oldest art forms. Magicians have baffled and amazed people for millennia, creating tricks and illusions which continue to confound onlookers today. Early magicians were innovative show business pioneers, inventing colourful personas and new promotional techniques. Two great conjurers emerged in the 19th century: French watchmaker Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin and Scotsman . Taking off the streets, these trailblazers turned a fairground pastime into dazzling . Houdin combined scientific processes and clockwork mechanics in his perfect illusions, performed in elegant evening wear. Anderson captivated audiences with expert showmanship, popularising the trick of pulling a rabbit out of a hat. The magician’s craft reached its pinnacle during magic’s ‘golden age’ from 1880 to 1920. Enterprising magicians, already enjoying commercial success in and halls in and America, looked to the antipodean entertainment market. Magic’s greatest conjurers and illusionists travelled to Australia, where fresh audiences were eager to see something different — the more extravagant and exciting, the better. Soon, Australia was producing its own magical celebrities who would achieve great fame and 1 Shakespeare Place Sydney Australia 2000 stellar international careers. sl.nsw.gov.au ANDERSON’S MAGIC ON TOUR & MYSTERY SHOW Many books have been European colonisers at Sydney Cove brought with them written about magic tricks. Professor John Anderson, an appetite for theatrical entertainment. The expansion of Some magicians kept known as the Great settler society through the 1800s saw the development of their secrets, while others Wizard of the North, a thriving market for popular amusements, with audiences shared them with the world, was the first magician to clamouring for the types of performances they had known inspiring imitation and tour internationally. An back home. innovation. audacious advertiser, his Sydney’s emergence as a ‘magic town’ came after the elaborate posters and Henry Dean’s Hocus Pocus discovery of gold. The resulting prosperity boom and playbills used preposterous was first published in 1722 population explosion — from 60,000 in 1850 to 350,000 language and a profusion and reprinted in 15 editions, in 1886 — saw rapid social and cultural change, with of superlatives to sell remaining a bestseller for a rising middle class made newly rich in leisure time his illusions and himself. over 150 years. Based on and money. As the city approached its centenary in Reports of a performance earlier magic manuals, 1888, a flourishing commercial scene led to the for the British royal family in it described common development of entrepreneurial chains, with extensive 1850 secured his reputation tricks, some with woodcut touring circuits capable of presenting vaudeville and in the colony, and he was illustrations, revealing the acts, including magicians, to packed houses. conjurer’s processes for the invited to Australia by local first time. theatre manager George With the arrival of a new century, live theatre continued to Coppin. remain a viable part of the entertainment industry despite Toy and game seller, the growing popularity of cinema. Many of the world’s An unprecedented WH Cremer operated a most prestigious magicians — for whom the success of campaign of show-business Conjuring Saloon in Regent a Southern Hemisphere season would secure their fame launched St, , in the 1860s. — performed to great fanfare, stimulating interest in the Anderson’s Australian tour. He produced some of art of magic and inspiring future generations of Australian His Magic and Mystery the earliest known magic magicians. supply catalogues and show opened in Melbourne edited a popular series of in March 1858 but the magic books, including business partnership WIZARDS, MAGICIENNES Hanky Panky (1872), which soon failed. In December PROFESSORS & Anderson booked Sydney’s As magic performances encouraged a magic MAGICIANS gained greater popularity, publishing boom. Lyceum Theatre for four weeks, spending £500 Wizards, professors and women began to earn their on transforming the magicians abounded livings as stage magicians — ‘dirty, desolate, dingy and in colonial Sydney and too, either with their Hocus Pocus or the Whole Art of husbands and families, or Legerdemain in Perfection deplorable Lyceum into quickly dominating the by H Dean, facsimile edition, 1880s a Fairy Palace of Magic’, local entertainment scene. by themselves. American Robbins/ 0546 in which to display his Conjurer and ventriloquist ‘magicienne’ Madame — ‘gorgeously elaborate Professor Jacobs’ arrival Cora de Lamond (aka Hanky Panky: A Book of Conjuring Tricks paraphernalia’. was heralded by huge Ursula Bush) was the first edited by WH Cremer jnr, 1870s placards and posters all woman to tour Australia Robbins/ 0658 over town. The ‘Wizard with her own magic show. — Opening at Sydney’s — Advertisement, Sydney Morning Herald, of Wizards’ promised to (background) Playbill, Anderson’s Magic 7 December 1858 Prince of Wales Theatre & Mystery show, Standard Theatre, ‘electrify the Sydneyites’, London, c1855 BN445 playing to packed houses in in 1871, her repertoire Robbins/ 0918A — 1855 at the Royal Victoria, included troublewit (folding Program on silk, Anderson’s Magic and the city’s first large theatre, paper into shapes) and — Mystery show, Lyceum Theatre, Sydney, (inset) Detail from Giant Surprise legerdemain (sleight of 7 January 1859 which seated 1,900 people. Catalogue of Professional Magic, hand). The high point of by Vick Lawston, 1961 SAFE/D 356/Collection 16/Item 18 Countless stage magicians her show was the Couch of Robbins/ 0735 — pursued careers around the world, some achieving more Angels illusion during which — her sister, Christina, lay (left) The ‘Magician’s Saloon’ fame than others. Little from the Catalogue of Apparatus is known about Professor suspended in mid-air with for the Performance of Experiments her elbow resting on a pole. in Natural and Recreative Philosophy Lorento, described as ‘the by WH Cremer, 1862 celebrated and renowned Robbins/0707 Australian wizard’ in his — — Wizard’s Guide, which was Photo cards published in New York city (from top) in 1878. Magician with spirit apparatus, by Nicholas & Co, Queensland, c1860 PXA 682/ p.16 — Engraving, ‘Royal Victoria Theatre’, Madame Cora, ‘Magicienne’, from Sydney in 1848 by Joseph Fowles by Bardwell’s Royal Studio, Q84/56 Ballarat, c1872 — P1/382 Professor Jacobs, ‘Wizard’ drawing by WF Gordon, c1855 Prof Bosco, P1/832 by A Tronier, Sydney, c1860 — P1/202 Booklet, Lorento’s Wizard’s Guide, or Magic Made Easy Hurst & Co. (right) Advertisement for Cora de New York, 1878 Lamond from the Hobart Mercury, 793.8/8 22 January 1872 — — THE HELLERS THE HASELMAYERS DAVENPORT PROFESSOR British-born musician Known as the Prince of BROTHERS ANDERSON JNR William Henry Palmer took Prestidigitators, Professor Ira and William Davenport’s Philip Prentis Hind was a the stage name Robert Louis Haselmayer made his hugely influential spirit son of the original Professor Heller, after seeing Robert- debut at Sydney’s Prince of cabinet routine was John Anderson and had Houdin perform in London Wales House in 1872. presented as a genuine toured with his father’s in 1848. Combining magic Returning in early 1880, phenomenon, act during the 1860s. Hind with humour and music, he introduced Australian despite repeated began using the stage Heller entranced audiences audiences to Psycho, a of its trickery. Touring name Professor Anderson in a six-year world tour, card-playing mechanical Australasia in 1876, during during his 1881 Australian travelling with a life-sized figure of a man, first shown their performance the tour, with his wife, Louise mechanical peacock by brothers were tied up Anderson, a clairvoyant. which fanned its tail and at London’s Egyptian Hall inside a box with musical Their show at the School performed tricks, selecting in 1875. instruments. Once the of Arts in Sydney, on playing cards with its beak. Madame Haselmayer, the doors were closed, the 26 March 1881, was billed His sensational second- instruments could be as a ‘Cagliostromantheum sight act saw Miss Haidee magician’s wife, was ‘the chief agent in a curious heard by the audience. of Wonders and Wizardian Heller (billed as his half- When the doors were Prestidigitation’, prompting sister) describe items held illusion’. With her wrists fastened and padlocked opened, the brothers were local reporters to wonder up by the audience, while revealed still tied in their at the ‘fresh delusions blindfolded. Opening at the into miniature stocks, which were in turn fixed bonds. The Davenports’ promised’ to the audience School of Arts in Pitt Street popularity encouraged when ‘one of the words in late 1869, the Hellers to the floor of a locked and covered cabinet, after other magicians to add is so big as to be almost returned for a second spirit phenomena to their alarming’, and requiring ‘a Australian tour in 1870. 15 seconds she reappeared ‘free and smiling, having acts. Considered among large audience to study it’. escaped from her bonds the earliest escape artists — — by some clever trick’. employing special rope ties — (right) Heller with his automated for quick release — their (above) Professor Anderson, detail peacock from Conjuring by Robert methods were also used by from his photo card by Murell & Co., Heller: the Devil’s own Wizard George St, Sydney, c1886 Will Andrade, Melbourne, 1870s — 20th century escapologists. (above right) Professor and PXD 357/127 Robbins/ 0580 Madame Haselmayer from the Bulletin, 20 March 1880 — — — (right) Poster, School of Arts: Saturday (below) Pamphlet F88/3 (above) Sketches at the Davenports’ March 26: Professor Anderson Great Robert Heller, his doings — Performances from the Australasian Wizard of the North, printed by H Cordell, Melbourne, c1868 Sketcher with pen and pencil, H Solomon, Sydney, 1881 (right) Advertisement, ‘Mair Hazel Nuts 30 September 1876 DSM/042/P401 o’ Haselmayer’s’ from Sydney Punch, Courtesy Victorian — 27 February 1874 TN 79 Centre, Melbourne Photo cards QA827/S — — Robert Heller, conjurer, and Miss Heller, — Photo cards photographer unknown, c1870 Ira Davenport (top) and PXA 362/Vol.2/item 7 & item 8 William H Davenport (bottom) by Bardwell Studio, Ballarat, 1876 — P1/446; P1/447 — Pamphlet, and Prof. WM Fay: a containing a short sketch of the lives, travels & performances, compiled and written by JH Jenkins, Tamworth, 1877 DSM/793.5/1A — KELLAR, THURSTON, — OFF STAGE CARTER & LEROY (above) Theatre Royal, King Street entrance, Sydney, photographer Sydney was a popular stop on the magicians’ international Towards the end of the 19th unknown, c1882 touring circuit, and local interest in magic blossomed century, lavish magic shows SPF/1589 as Sydneysiders tried to emulate the tricks they’d seen were regularly staged at big — performed on stage. theatre venues. American ‘To Carter, the Magician’, acrostic poem from the Sydney Sportsman, Magic shops like Will Andrade’s (173 Pitt Street), , among the 13 November 1907 Mick Simmons (George St, Haymarket) and Weirdo’s world’s favourite magicians, BN 30 (220 Pitt Street), stocked a wide variety of magic props had one of largest and most — and theatrical notions imported from leading overseas elaborate magic shows. (left) Poster, St Georges Hall, suppliers. Retiring in 1908, Kellar’s commencing Saturday, May 6th: Kellar & Cunard: in their marvelous and world- chosen successor was famed entertainment called A night in Set up in 1919, Andrade’s was Australia’s leading dealer , known as Dreamland, printed by WM Marshall, in magic books and apparatus. Many bitten by the magic Melbourne, 1882 the King of Cards. Thurston POSTERS 1236 bug bought their first box of tricks at Andrade’s upper had the early 20th century’s floor premises, reached by climbing a flight of creaking largest travelling vaudeville — Booklet, Thurston’s Easy Pocket Tricks: wooden stairs. The black door opened onto a muddled magic show, requiring the ABC of magic: Thurston’s Mystic mass of ventriloquist’s dolls and magician’s paraphernalia, more than eight train cars Palace, Cos Cobb, Conn., c1900 with old posters and photographs of famous magicians to transport his props and Robbins/ 0570 and covering the walls. From the windows, huge grinning equipment. — masks looked down onto the city’s busiest street. Brochure, Carter the Great: the World’s Touring Australia in Weird & Wonderful Wizard Otis Litho Major magic depots were staffed by some of Sydney’s Co., Cleveland, 1926 1907, eminent American best-known magicians, who gave advice on purchases G 2013/4655 prestidigitator Carter to hobbyists and professionals alike. Magic shops also the Great travelled with — became drop-in centres where leading Australian and Poster, ‘Servais Le Roy: A Flying Visit’, 28 tonnes of apparatus London, Denmark Works, c1890 visiting international magicians gathered to discuss the and was known for his Robbins/ 0918A latest tricks. elaborate illusions, including — This laid the groundwork for the growth of the city’s (cut out figure) Magician’s assistant and making an elephant Dorraine Skupinski, photographer magic clubs, attracting colourful characters, collectors unknown, c1940 disappear. Belgian-born and prominent personalities of the Sydney magic MLMSS 8612/Box 4/Folder 1 Servais LeRoy invented scene. Andrade’s also operated as a magicians’ numerous illusions still — employment agency. (exhibition ) Detail from popular today. Nicknamed Giant Surprise Catalogue of Professional ‘the devil in evening dress’, Magic, by Vick Lawston, 1961 — he performed alongside his Robbins/ 0735 (background) Will Andrade’s Magic Shop with assistants Harry Job wife Mary Ann Ford, who — and Cecil Cook, photographer unknown, was known as Talma, the c1930 Queen of Coins. Billed as Le MLMSS 8612/Box 1/Folder 1 Roy, Talma, and Bosco, they — astonished and bewildered local audiences when they played to packed houses at Sydney’s Tivoli Theatre in November 1905. COLLECTORS: FIVE DEMONS COLLECTORS: COLLECTORS: HARRY JOB Magic enjoyed a boom KEITH ABSON ROBERT ROBBINS (1909–1996) in the 1940s as the war (1912–1988) (1926–1964) Harry Job developed an increased demand for live Keith Abson loved magic. Sydney-born Robbins interest in all things magical shows at soldier’s concerts He started compiling his was captivated by magic after his family moved from in camps and battle areas. scrapbook of Magician’s when, at the age of eight, Parkes to Sydney in 1919, Harry Job was among the Dreams as a teenager, he saw Carter the Great the same year Will Andrade local magicians who took while travelling with The perform his spellbinding opened his magic business to the road to entertain the Incomparable Sloggetts. illusions. Robbins met near Central Station. troops at home and abroad. Enlisting with the AIF, he Carter backstage, and Buying books on magic Several magic societies saw active duty in several the magician later sent and regularly browsing were also operating in of war before him theatre posters from magic catalogues, Job Sydney including The Five joining the Milne Bay all over the world. Taking answered Andrade’s ‘Boy Demons, formed in the concert party as a magician the stage name ‘Merlini’, Wanted’ ad in 1923. He mid-1930s. Members met — Sydney magic dealer and 14-year-old Robbins was was soon demonstrating in secret and wore papier- friend J Albert Briggs sent the youngest magician tricks for customers at mâché devil heads to mask books and tricks for his to perform at the Tivoli Andrade’s new Pitt Street their identities during act. After the war, Abson Theatre. In 1957 he became premises and performing at performances. The society continued his itinerant the first magician to concerts and variety shows. also collected a library of lifestyle, touring Australia perform on Australian By the early 1930s, Job over 1000 magic books. with his show, The Palace television, making regular was managing the store. of Magic, and working as a appearances with assistant After Andrade’s death in — journeyman magician until Irene Sheargold on the 1939, Harry purchased the (reproduction) The Demons Den his retirement in 1968. Also ABC’s Cafe Continental, photograph by Ivan Ive for PIX, business, including the right 30 July 1938 involved in several magic among other variety to trade and perform as ON 388/Box 033/Item 034 clubs, he became President shows. Robbins acquired Will Andrade. — of the Australian Magicians’ the magnificent magician’s Will Andrade, ‘The Demon of Magic’ Club in the 1970s. reference library compiled (aka Harry Job), photographer unknown, by his mentor, The Great — 1949 Harry Job, magician, Levante. After Robbins’ MLMSS 8612/Box 4/Folder 1 — photographer unknown, c1930 (reproduction) Blueprint for ‘Sawing sudden death in 1964, this MLMSS 8612/Box 4/Folder 2 — a Woman in Half’ apparatus, c1950 collection was purchased With compliments slip, MLMSS 10509/ Box 10X — The Five Demons, c1940 by the State Library. Letterhead, ‘Harry Job / Will Andrade: MLMSS 8612/Box1/Folder 2 — Fun For all / All for Fun’, c1950 (reproduction) Keith Abson, ‘Man MLMSS 8612/Box1/Folder 2 — of Magic’, detail of printed portrait — Trade card, The Five Demons - photograph, c1970 Bob ‘Merlini’ Robbins — Welcome You, c1940 photographer unknown, c1960 Business or Throw cards (in the form MLMSS 10509/ Box 9/ Folder 2 MLMSS 8612/Box1/Folder 2 Courtesy Kent Blackmore of playing cards) ‘Will Andrade And His — Bag of Tricks’, c1950 — Business card, c1970 — MLMSS 8612/Box 3 Business card, ‘Robert Merlini’, c1960 MLMSS 10509/Box 9/Folder 2 — — GRL 68/1069 Harry Job demonstrating ball trick, Catalogue, The leading magical house in — photographer unknown, c1930 Australasia J. Albert Briggs, Alexandria, (reproduction) Merlini and Irene MLMSS 8612/Box 1/Folder 1 NSW, c1930s performing in the ABC’s Cafe Continental 2nd anniversary show 793.8028/1 — photographer unknown, 18 August 1960 Harry Job demonstrating scarf trick to — Courtesy Timothy Hyde woman, photographer unknown, c1940 Title page of ‘The Magician Dreams’ MLMSS 8612/Box 1/Folder 1 scrapbook by Keith Abson, — 24 September 1973 More Tricks of the Television Stars — by Harry Stanley, London, 1960s Harry Job in tuxedo demonstrating scarf MLMSS 10509/ Box 4 Robbins/ 0069 trick, photographer unknown, c1940 — MLMSS 8612/Box 1/Folder 1 Trick, ‘Rabbit from Hat’ from — Keith Abson’s magic scrapbook, — 16 November 1982 MLMSS 10509/ Box 5 — MAGIC SHOPS MAGETA, A MAGICAL LIBRARY — THE MAGICIAN OF BOOKS Selection of magic books Sydney’s magic shops from the State Library of NSW were an important part Magic became a marketing In the February 1939, collection: of the local magic scene, gimmick to advertise Andrade’s announced its and each had its own everyday products like latest service innovation ROW ONE character. The growth of Better magic: a catalogue of tricks for all chocolate, stock cubes and to Sydney’s Independent entertainers in magic with some hints, specialist dealerships from peanut butter. The ETA Magical Performers tips and gags: Sydney: Will Andrade, the early 1900s included Magician’s Club was an (the IMPS) via the club’s 1930s Will Andrade’s (1919–96), early Australian corporate magazine: 793.8/6 J Albert Briggs (1920–69), promotion, using the lure It had to come! Sydney Mick Simmons’ Premier of magic to promote ETA’s Fifty-one Impromptu conjuring tricks: magicians have for a long time Sydney: Cecil Cook, 1946 (1935–60), food products. Harry Job now needed a real-up to date 793.8/18 Cecil Cook’s (1961–75) and collaborated on the mid- Magician’s Library. To meet Steve McKechnie’s Weirdo’s their needs, we have decided 1930s publicity campaign, Giant Surprise Catalogue of Professional (1947–87). possibly initiated by Sydney to establish a Magical Library Magic: London: Vick Lawston, 1961 of Books which we doubt J Albert Briggs and Mick magician Bob Carbine, Robbins/ 0735 who worked at ETA as an can be excelled anywhere in Simmons produced regular Australia ... new books, old accountant. Practical magic: London: David Robbins, catalogues. Will Andrade’s books, rare books. Books you 1955 never thought existed. Books produced its only magic Trick cards were supplied in E793.8/ROB you’ve read about but never catalogue, Better Magic, ETA products, and MagEta in the 1930s and Weirdo’s seen — gathered from the four the magician would perform corners of the earth, for your Amateur conjuring: clever, inexpensive published its Catalogue at any theatre offering free tricks for home or public entertainment: perusal. Now made available W Russell London: 1908 No. 2, in about 1943. on a low weekly rental basis peanuts. Children joining Robbins/ 0578 Andrade’s Home of Magic the ETA Magician’s Club — a Personal service for and Mystery, in Pitt St’s magicians — Exclusive to — received MagEta’s Book of ROW TWO Central Chambers, was MAGICIANS ONLY. Exclusive and Secret Tricks The best tricks and how to do them: probably the most famous and could collect up to 60 , London, 1931 building in Sydney magic trick cards. Similar ideas Robbins/ 0304 history. In 1971, after 47 overseas had received years at the same address, widespread coverage in The : as produced in the spectre Andrade’s moved up the magic magazines, as a drama..., Henry Dircks. London, 1863 road to the Sydney School way to stimulate flagging Robbins/ 0282 of , where many interest in performance 19th century magicians Practical Magic with popular patter, magic following the arrival Guy K Austin. London. 1919 had given their first of talking pictures. Robbins/ 0075 performances.

After Dinner Sleights and Pocket Tricks, — C Lang Neil, London, 1921 — Booklet, The ETA book of exclusive and Promotional signs for Will Andrade’s secret tricks by MagEta: Nut Foods Ltd., Robbins/ 0278 Magic Shop, c1950 Sydney, 1935 MLMSS 8612/Box 6X 793.8/15 Scientific mysteries: a collection of simple and effective experiments…, — — Offices of The Chemist & Druggist, MAGIC SHOP DISPLAY Cartoon, ‘Grease paint & Guinea Pigs’, London, 1891 Australian Women’s Weekly, 28/9/1946 (background image right) Unidentified Robbins/ 0268 MLMSS 8612/Box 6X magician with rings, photographer unknown, c1935 — MLMSS 4062 Deceptive conceptions in magic, Novelty , ‘WILL ANDRADE PLAYS Stanley Collins. London Magical Co, & MAKE-UP’, c1965 1920 Book, Dunninger’s Popular Magic, MLMSS 8612/ Box 3 Robbins/ 0238 New York, 1929 — Robbins/ 0610 — Central Chambers, Pitt St, ROW THREE photographer unknown, 1929 The Book of Modern Conjuring, Interior views of Will Andrade’s MLMSS 8612/Box 4/Folder 1 R Kunard. London, c1890 Magic Depot, photos by Ivan Ive — for People magazine, 26 April 1950 Robbins/ 0608 Stationery, Will Andrade / Harry Job MLMSS 8612/Box 1/Folder 1 (Andrade’s Magic Depot), c1950 : a practical treatise on MLMSS 8612/Box 1/ Folder 2; MLMSS the art of conjuring, Professor Hoffmann. Magician Harry Job demonstrating tricks 8612/Box 4/Folder 1 London, c1914 photographer unknown, c1950 Robbins/ 0430 — MLMSS 8612/Box 4/Folder 2 Phoney Money, ‘Harry Job / Andrade’s Magic Depot’, c1950 — Conjurer Dick, or, The adventures of (mirror above right) Harry Job MLMSS 8612/ Box 4/ Folder 1 a young wizard, Professor Hoffman. demonstrating the waterfall card shuffle London, c1890 — to Scots College boys, photo by Ivan Ive Business Cards ‘Will Andrade Theatrical for People magazine, 26 April 1950 Robbins/ 0138 supplier’ / ‘Will Andrade The Post Office ON 388/Box 068/Item 194 is Next to Us’, c1930s The art of modern conjuring and drawing MLMSS 8612/Box 4/Folder 1 — room entertainment ..., London, 1909 (background images) Robbins/ 0108 — Francis Watts - conjurer Catalogue, Weirdo’s Superior Magic photos by Max Dupain, 1946 and Novelty Shop, No 2, c1943 ON 609/Box 04/nos.78-95: File 08 : a practical manual of 793.8028/2 legerdemain for amateurs and others, Edwin Sachs. London, 1885 — Interior views of Will Andrade’s Robbins/ 0105 Magic Depot photos by Ivan Ive for People magazine, 26 April 1950 Spirit slate writing and kindred ON 388/Box 068/Item 194 phenomena, William E Robinson, New York, 1898 — Robbins/ 0251 — CONJURING FOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT THE AMAZING BEGINNERS MR ROOKLYN Showmanship is the secret to the magician’s success. Magic tricks have been Australia’s legendary magical performers were all masters (1905–1992) considered a suitable of walking, talking and dressing the stage. A magician British-born Maurice hobby for children, must be in total control if they are to deceive the senses — Rooklyn migrated to especially boys, since keeping up a steady flow of words, or ‘patter’, to entertain Australia with his family Victorian times. Sleights and distract the audience. in 1912. Dazzled by a of hand involving cards, The Amazing Mr Rooklyn’s show opening never failed to magician producing coins coins and handkerchiefs bring gasps from the audience. As the curtain went up from thin air, at the age can easily be mastered on a darkened stage, a spotlight revealed his immaculate of 11 he bought Hopkin’s with practice, relieving figure standing at the top of ornate stairs. Resplendent in Magic, and spent 14 hours boredom, and entertaining top hat, tails, cloak and snow-white gloves, as the music a day wiggling coins and others while developing reached a crescendo, he slowly descended. Passing his cards through his fingers. skills in concentration and hat and cloak to assistants, he deftly removed his gloves Thousands of hours go observation. and, tossing them into the air, turned them into a white into producing an act that The Conjurer’s Kit Book dove which flew around the stage. From then on, he appears effortless on stage (complete with ) entertained — delivering a bewitching two-and-a-half- and Rooklyn eventually was produced in the hour performance. formed two large corns mid-1930s. Endorsed by on the palms of his hands, Adding to the magician’s aura is their attire — dark- third-generation English which were later insured coloured clothing camouflages their actions and magician Jasper Maskelyne, for £10,000. Rooklyn’s strategically placed extra pockets hide a multitude of it contained tricks and signature masterpiece was secrets. In the 1930s, Magic Murray had an evening suit puzzles printed on pre- a billiard ball manipulation made with 30 pockets. During his performance, he would cut cardboard, which routine, called Symphony in reach into the tails of his jacket to produce a kicking could be punched out Spheres. Touring the UK in rabbit, or a foaming glass of beer to reward each assistant and folded for assembly. the 1930s, he became the from the audience. Along with traditional first magician in the world apparatus and magic to appear on television, supplies, including the — when he performed this most popular lines in pre- (left) Diagram, Magician’s tailcoat act in the BBC studios in showing locations of extra pockets packaged, commercially 1936. He also perfected (stage) Maurice Rooklyn hypnotism, made tricks, magic depots in his performance ensemble, like Will Andrade’s also did photographer unknown, c1950, and pseudo-mind reading from Spherical Sorcery and Recollections skills. In 1958, his 12-minute a profitable sideline in jokes of a Pro, Sydney, 1973 demonstration of finger and gags. QA927.938/R777.1/1A1 wizardry earned him the — title of World’s Champion Magician’s props purchased for — display only Prestidigitator, the first The conjurer’s kit book complete with Australian to win this magic wand…, London, c1935 — Robbins/ 0875 award, bestowed by the — International Congress Selection of tricks and gags from the of Magicians. Keith Abson Collection: — The Mysterious Water Jar of India Promotional items for MLMSS 10508/ Box 1/ Folder 3 The Amazing Mr Rooklyn c1940–70 MLMSS 8177 The Marvelous Memory Trick: — Second Sight The Amazing Mr Rooklyn on stage, MLMSS 10508/ Box 1/ Folder 3 photographer unknown, 1940s Lent by Kent Blackmore The Liars License — MLMSS 10508/ Box 1/ Folder 3 Book: Spherical Sorcery and Recollections of a Pro, Sydney, 1973

Jumbo Monte Cards & envelope Lent by the Sydney Jewish Museum MLMSS 10508/ Box 1/ Folder 3 — (stage) Top hat, tail suit, cape, ball stand and travelling case owned by Magic Catalogue, c1970 The Amazing Mr Rooklyn, c1950s MLMSS 10508/ Box 1/ Folder 3 Lent by the Sydney Jewish Museum — Accessories courtesy The Vintage Clothing Shop — HEADLINERS THE GREAT LEVANTE MAGIC MURRAY (1892–1978) (1901–1988) The history of magic is dominated by the personalities and stories of its star performers. As Australian magicians Widely regarded as Five-year-old Norman worked their way to the top of the bill in the world of Australia’s greatest ‘Murray’ Walters saw variety theatre, they achieved their ambitions to stage magician, Leslie George American Howard their own touring shows. ‘Les’ Vante Cole was born Thurston’s show in in the Sydney suburb of Melbourne and was invited The Great Levante launched his magical extravaganza Alexandria, and grew up in on stage to assist with How’s Tricks? in London on Boxing Day 1937, with fellow Victoria. At the age of 10, the ‘egg trick’. Receiving magician Dante’s 50 Mysteries playing at the nearby his 60-year magic career a box of magic tricks as Wintergarden Theatre. The Amazing Mr Rooklyn built two was sparked by the gift of a Christmas gift, by the full evening shows, Blue Velvet (1946–47) and A Night of a book, Hoffman’sModern age of eight Murray had Pink Champagne (1949–54) establishing his own travelling Magic. Cole taught himself taught himself the art of troupe of 30 musicians, dancers and . Magic tricks to amuse his friends using a pair Murray produced his Round the World with Magic (1942– and began performing of ‘regulation wrist irons’ 53) revue, adding illusions and feats of magic, until it was professionally at the age he’d purchased through one of the biggest magic shows on the road. The rise of of 18. He met English a mail order catalogue. television in the 1950s saw the eventual decline of variety magician Tom Selwyn, who Murray designed his first theatre and tours of magical entertainment on such a gave him the stage-name business card at 13, working grand scale. ‘Levante’. Touring the bush in Sydney as The Boy Australian headliners rose to positions of high standing in with his escape routines, Wizard, and becoming the global magic community, participating enthusiastically Levante later took to the the Australian Society in professional societies like the International Brotherhood road with wife, Gladys, and of Magicians’ youngest of Magicians and creating lasting friendships with many of daughter, Esme, gaining member. magic’s greatest names. show business skills along the way. Murray left Australia at 16, honing his skills as he — In 1927, the Levantes began entertained audiences all (background right) The Great Levante a world tour, travelling over the world — chained, with Assistant (Esme Levante) in a Box, c1950 through Asia before shackled and hung upside PXE 1367 touring from down! Back home by 1919, — 1933 to 1940. Gladys and he spent the next few (below, from left) Magicians at the Esme worked behind the years barnstorming his Mayfair Hotel, Dante, Horace Goldin, scenes and onstage — way around the outback. the Great Levante, Magic Murray, and journalist Brunel White, London, 1936 they were probably sawn By 1926, he was topping Courtesy Kent Blackmore in half more often than the bill in London. During — any other women in the a triumphant 1928 season world. Levante’s on-stage at Sydney’s Tivoli Theatre, presence was enhanced by he staged his famous his suave appearance and escape outside impeccable tailoring. His the Public Library of NSW. £1000 Steel Trunk Mystery By 1933 Murray was touring thrilled audiences and Europe with his illusion was named the London show, assisted by his wife Institute of Magic’s Mystery Marion, and using escape of Mysteries. In 1939 the stunts for publicity. Murray International Brotherhood retired from the stage of Magicians elected in 1954 due to ill health, Levante the world’s number opening Murray’s Magic one magician. Mart in Blackpool, UK, which became a meeting Returning to Australia, place for magic-lovers of all Levante toured his magic ages. revue How’s Tricks? into the 1950s and worked Often described as on illusions at his ‘Fun the ‘last of the greats’, Factory’ in Guildford. Murray epitomised the In 1977 he became the entrepreneurial type of inaugural recipient of the illusionist. One of the most- world’s highest award for travelled entertainers of magicianship, presented by his day, he covered more the Academy of Magic Arts. than 800,000 kilometres (ie. around the world x 20) — during his 40-year magic (above) Promotional poster, c1920s career, touring 92 countries Courtesy State Library of Victoria, on six continents. Will Alma collection — (left) Promotional materials, — (above) Murray, the Escapologist and photographs, c1940–50 performing his straitjacket stunt, Sydney MLMSS 3622; PXE 1367 photos by Sam Hood, 16 February 1928 — HOME & AWAY 6370; HOME & AWAY (bottom left) Performance prop, c1950 6375; HOME & AWAY 6377 Tricked up belonging to — The Great Levante, and photo (left) Magic Murray chained Lent by Kent Blackmore to railing, c1930 autographed photograph — Lent by Kent Blackmore — (bottom left) Promotional poster, c1930s Courtesy National Library of Australia — DANTE THE — ON THE BILL EXHILARATOR (above) Dante on stage with Moi-Yo Miller, c1935, Magicians of the golden age were among the first (1883–1951) photographer unknown artists to promote themselves through illustrated Courtesy State Library of Victoria, advertisements, ranging in scale from small, printed Danish-born Harry Jansen Will Alma collection migrated to America in to billboard-sized posters. Many of these — attention-grabbing artworks are fine examples of 1890, where he made his Promotional brochures, stage debut in 1900, aged Theatre Royal, Sydney, c1935 chromolithography, a printing technique used in the mass 16. In 1911 he set out to and Winter Garden Theatre, production of colourful, eye-catching advertising material London, 1937 which began in the 1870s. conquer the world, first MLMSS 4062; Robbins/ 0918A visiting Australia in 1912. For — In this competitive era, magicians often acted as their own the next 20 globe-trotting (left) Harry August Jansen (aka Dante), publicists, fighting an advertising war. Australian Escape years he was known as Sydney, photographer unknown, 1913 King Magic Murray served part of his apprenticeship as The Great Jansen. Harry P1/833 advance man for The Incomparable Sloggetts, travelling had started out as an — ahead of the show to slap up posters in each town on illusion builder, co-owning Business card, promotional booklets and souvenirs, c1930–1950 the circuit. The posters themselves had real pulling a Chicago-based magic MLMSS 8612/ BOX 1 / FOLDER 2; power, raising the art of self-promotion to a new height. manufacturing company GQ 2013/1512; MLMSS 4062 The imagery used fed audiences’ curiosity and played which made many of the — to their fantastical expectations in a unique collision of great Howard Thurston’s performance art and graphic design. The popular image illusions. In 1922, Thurston of the tuxedo clad, top hat wearing magician was also hired Jansen to build and fixed in the public imagination through widespread use of co-produce his 2nd unit illustrated posters to advertise their shows. show — he also gave Jansen the stage name ‘Dante’, Now, over a century later, these posters are often the in honour of the original only glimpses we have of these performers, their grand Dante, Oscar Eliason, a illusions and notable conjuring feats, and how popular world famous magician like these were advertised to Australian who was accidentally killed audiences in the past. in 1899, during a kangaroo shoot near Dubbo, NSW. — Murray the Sensational Escapologist appears and disappears personal Promotional posters Sailing from New York appearance of the favourite magical c1900–1950s entertainer of the universe, in 1927, Dante visited colour lithograph, The Perfecta Press: hundreds of cities with London, c1950 The Incomparable Sloggetts Mystic his magical revue Sim- Show, colour lithograph, c1930s POSTERS/2021/15 Sala-Bim, named for POSTERS/2021/28 the trademark magical Third world tour, famous Australian illusionist! The Great Levante: £1000 incantation of nonsensical The egg trick: David Devant… steel trunk mystery! weird unique words he used to elicit St. George’s Hall, colour print, London, thrilling’, colour lithograph, UK, c1955 c1900 applause. Programs for this POSTERS/2019/460/1, 2 & 3 Robbins/ Posters/ 2 revue showcase Dante’s love for big illusions and Not for a Decade has there been a show Bernardo, colour lithograph, Hamburg, such as this! The Great Levante, news stage effects, often touted Aldolf Friedlander, 1930s sheet, Wellington, NZ, 30/31 July c1950 as ‘50 Mysteries’. Back Robbins/ Posters/ 3 MLMSS 3622 in Melbourne in 1933,

Dante recruited a new Dante The World-Famous Magician The Levante Show: Girls and gaiety, legs assistant by launching a and His Big Novelty Company, and laughter, mirth and melody, funny colour print, FS Pacey & Son Printers, enough to make a cat laugh! Positively competition for ‘Australia’s Ryde, NSW, c1935 the most outstanding attraction touring Most Beautiful Woman’. POSTERS/2021/29 to-day, colour print, c1950 Geelong-born entertainer POSTERS 2523 Loretta Miller won the title. The Amazing Mr. Rooklyn from London: Billed as ‘Moi-Yo’ Miller, 100 laughs! Thrills! Mysteries! Deloras. A Terrific Act of Rare colour print, 1946 she performed with Dante Entertainment, colour lithograph, c1955 POSTERS 2500 for the rest of his career, POSTERS/2021/27 becoming one of the — world’s all-time great magic assistants.

1 Shakespeare Place Sydney Australia 2000 sl.nsw.gov.au E&D-5665-6/2021