The padlock comes with two keys. Whenever a spectator tries to open the lock, neither key works. When the magician tries to open it, both keys work. The trick can be presented in many ways, for example a Just Chance routine, betting the spectator that if they choose the key which opens the lock, they win £5. Produced by David De-Val Magic Company, Stockport, England. Complete with instructions.
This type of fold became popular around the end of the 20th century. It is particularly suited to maps because it is small enough to carry in a pocket and yet it opens up in the simple move of opening the card. Copyright Compass Maps Ltd (UK).
This is an excellent scientific novelty which causes amazement when people see it for the first time, irrespective of whether they are scientifically minded. (The version in the Davenport Collection was made for an American company, hence disk rather than disc.) The base is a slightly concave mirror on which you spin a heavy disk, much like you would spin a coin on its edge. However, unlike a coin, the heavy disk spins for a very long time and, as it slows, the sound it makes changes. There is a real surprise when it stops. There are a number of magnetic pieces with holographic surfaces which can be placed on the flat surface of the disk and which create intriguing light and colour patterns as the disk rotates. According to the box it was invented by Joseph Bendik in the 1980s. Made in Taiwan.
This plastic painted concave head of Vincent Van Gogh appears to follow you around as you view it from different angles. It is an excellent optical illusion.
This show was part of the Davenport family’s celebration of 100 years in magic. The bill included Roy Davenport.
This show was part of the Davenport family’s celebration of 100 years in magic. The bill included Roy Davenport.
After winding the yellow key on the left, when a coin is placed in the bowl on the right and the button is pressed, the snake charmer bends forward and the snake rises out of the basket. At the same time the coin drops into the bank. Two batteries in the base should also activate some music, but unfortunately this is not working on this example. Made in plastic by Everlast Toys, Hong Kong. Copyright 1998 Everlast.
This is an amazing illusion in which, as you walk around a room looking at the dragon, it turns its head so that it appears to be following you. The design was downloaded from the web and constructed by John Davenport circa 2008. The design was originally produced for Gathering for Gardner 3 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA 16-18 January 1998. Copyright 1998 Binary Arts Corporation. It was inspired by the work of Jerry Andrus.
This book has itself an interesting design feature. The book was the catalogue for a touring exhibition from The Collins Gallery, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. The tour started in Glasgow on 10 October 1998 and finished in Cheltenham in November 2000. The catalogue includes a brief but good introduction to moveable and pop-up books over the centuries.
The Davenport Centenary Celebration in Brighton in 1998 was quite an occasion. This file contains a small fraction of relevant information including planning, advance publicity, activities during the weekend and press coverage.
All attendees were given a box like this, although the contents might vary between boxes. The contents all related to aspects of the first 100 years of the Davenports business and included the programme for the weekend.
This book is full of pre-punched cardboard pages, printed in colour, from which the box shapes can be pressed out and folded. Published in 1998 by Benedikt Taschen Verlag GmbH.