Where the Tricks came from

Back in 1952, this was the place for magic aficionados

Location: 25 New Oxford Street, WC1A

Description: This was the premsises of 'L.Devenport and Company' which advertised as 'Where the tricks come from'.

It was in 1952 that it sort of became the unofficial rallying point for a small group of young aficionados who had a love of magic and entertainment.

Val Andrews, Billy McComb, Alex Elmsleym, Cy Endfield, Harry Devamo, Tommy Cooper...it was also not unknown for Orson Welles to drop in and add his weight when in town.

All lovers of magic, Tommy Cooper was always on the look out for the latest novelty or pocket trick - and this was another of London's magic emporiums at the time to help the great man out.

Tommy took great pride in genuniely fooling people and would usually head to the nearest Lyons tea house to fool the waitresses and have them all in hysterics...

Happy days - and here's to L.Devenport and Company.

Tours: Tommy Cooper's London

Themes: Retail Retail Theme