In the 1980s Fergus Roy, husband of Betty Davenport, conceived the idea of a TV magic series which was aimed at children, but which was also to be of interest to adults. The idea was adopted by Thames Television who called the series Illusions. Each programme featured a large illusion performed by actor Adam Wide. This Chocolate Box Illusion is one of two in the Davenport Collection. This clip, in colour and with sound, comes from the Illusions show, Series 2, Programme 1 in 1985.
Peter Warlock (1904-1995) was a well-respected British magician with magic inventions and books to his name. He chose Davenports to market his Penetration Frame which became very popular as a ‘mini-illusion’. This clip, taken in Davenports studio, shows him performing his Penetration Frame followed by a ring on rope routine. During the ring on rope trick, at the end of the film clip, you can see a Davenport Demon Head trademark statuette on the table on the right-hand side. The film was probably taken around 1940 when Davenports traded from 39/41 New Oxford Street in London.
The German Magic Circle (Magischer Zirkel Deutschland) held its 1936 international convention in Munich. Lewis, Wynne and Gus Davenport were there. This official film taken by F.A. Brandt includes Gus Davenport performing the 3 Shell Game. Other performers were Ottokar Fischer and, with card magic; Dr Keck, Dr Schitzkowski and Dr Geimer. Brandt’s film has been edited in this version so as to avoid divulging magic secrets. The film provides a snapshot of magical thinking and performance styles in the mid-1930s.
The Davenport family also took some film at the convention, including many shots of the attendees: see N2895.
Edward Victor (1887-1964) was well known for his skilful and entertaining magic and hand shadows. Davenports sold his version of the Diminishing Cards, which Victor demonstrates on this film taken by the Davenports. Apart from his handling of the trick, the film shows his warm personality. Victor was also the author of some very popular books on magic technique. The photograph of Victor, also illustrated here, is autographed to Gus Davenport.
Some, but not all, magicians have interests outside magic. Gus Davenport in the 1960s enjoyed building an 00 gauge model railway with his teenage son John. The design concept was to have track circuits at different heights, so maximising the number of trains that could run simultaneously. This approach automatically generated the need for bridges and tunnels, both much loved by Gus and John. John makes a brief appearance, almost certainly correcting a derailment.
This film was shot by friend and magician Harry Baron. Harry managed Gamages magic department and also had his own magic company. He was a well-known figure in magic. See also N1969.
This electrically powered automaton shows a Davenport Demon levitating a playing card. When found in a storeroom, the automaton was not in working order. Cambridge magician and engineer Tony Middleton did a great job repairing it and upgrading it to get it back into reliable working order. The original age of the automaton is probably mid-20th century. We do not know if the automaton was ever on display at Davenports shop. See also N869.
This is a showy illusion in which a giant chocolate box is shown first empty, then full of giant chocolates. The box is closed again and, when reopened, there is a lady inside. Photographs of the illusion and background details have been on the Davenport Collection website for some time (N826). We can now share an AI enhanced video of a performance at the 1982 Pentacle Club Convention. The performer is John Whitmore, assisted by Chris Kostecki and Teresa Wallman. John and Chris were both members of the Cambridge Pentacle Magic Club.
The 1936 German Magic Circle (Magischer Zirkel Deutschland) convention was the first one in Germany attended by the Davenports: Lewis, Wynne and Gus. Gus had a great time there. The organisers captured aspects of the convention in a silent 16mm film taken by F.A. Brandt. The film includes a clip, shown here, of Gus Davenport performing the 3 Shell Game. Items N2895 and N2937 will tell you more about this convention.
The figure moves its arms, eyes, eyebrows and mouth. The index finger on the right hand taps the window pane to attract the attention of passers-by. One day a policeman came into Davenports shop requesting that the figure was unplugged because so many people had gathered on the pavement that it was causing an obstruction. For more information visit Item N62.
Wally Davenport was the second eldest of Lewis’s four children. He was seldom seen serving behind the counter at Davenports because he was the key family member for ensuring that mail orders were dispatched promptly. Davenports were known for this prompt service.
This very short clip shows Wally with a Botania, which was a well known trick for producing flowers. The purpose of the film is not clear. It is almost as though the family had a short length of colour film to finish off and, instead of wasting it, they took this film of Wally.
The Davenport family loved London and theatreland. This colour film was probably taken by George (Gilly) or Walter David (Wally) Davenport. It captures celebration decorations in London in the 1930s at a time when Davenports business was at a peak, prior to the problems and shortages associated with WW2.
George Davenport did not invent this trick, but he was the first person to perform it in England. The plot is well known. The magician separately swallows razor blades and thread, after which he produces them from his mouth strung along the thread. This 1930s film was made by the Ideal Sound Cinemagazine.