The majority of posters in the collection are theatre posters. These are either letterpress posters for variety theatres, or pictorial posters for a single magician or show.
A small number of other posters advertise books, exhibitions or events such as conferences.
To search for a specific date use the format 10 October 1924.
George Mozart (1864-1947) was a musician and burlesque comedian. He wasn’t one of the top music hall stars, but he had a long, successful career as an entertainer. In the 1920s he worked for the Maskelynes at St George’s Hall. His road to success is a fascinating story which tells us much about life as an entertainer in late 19th and early 20th century Britain. Click below to enter his world.
In 1944 Paul Freeman had the incredible experience of being sold a magic prop by Will Goldston, wrapped up in a Servais Le Roy poster. Click below to join Paul for his account of this transaction and what Paul subsequently discovered about the poster, Adolph Friedländer the lithographic printer, and the performer Servais Le Roy.
It was common for variety theatres on mainland Europe to book a show for a month at a time.
It was common for variety theatres in Germany to book a show for a month at a time. Lewis Davenport was on the bill.
The Wednesday 26 September 1945 variety show is Edythe Harrington and her Gang. Edythe was one of Winifred Wynne’s sisters, making her Lewis Davenport’s sister-in-law.
The bill includes Lewis Davenport the Bewilderest presenting a series of bewildering novelties. Assisted by Winifred Wynne.
The bill includes Lewis Davenport the Bewilderist presenting a series of bewildering novelties assisted by Winifred Wynne.
The bill includes Lewis Davenport the mysterious supported by Wynne in a series of bewildering novelties.
The poster gives details of the Maskelyne & Cooke show. The date is not known but, based on Monday 29 July, the year can only be be 1869, 1872 or 1878. However, 1869 was before Maskelyne and Cooke called themselves The Royal Illusionists (see Ref. no. N2353). Also, had it been 1878 the poster would definitely have mentioned the shows at the Egyptian Hall starting in 1873. So the year must be 1872.
This cine-variety bill includes the most expensive engagement of the Davenport Duo and Wynne comedy illusionists.
The bill includes Gus Davenport, the novelty illusionist.
This reproduction poster was one of a number presented to attendees of the 5th European Magic History Conference in Hamburg, 28 – 31 August 2013.