The First Great Magician?

A consummate exponent of suave & witty presentation of illusion

Location: Flat 1 Ornan Court, Ornan Road, Belsize Park, NW3 4PT

Description: David Devant was an English magician born on 22 February 1868, he was aksi a shadowgraphist and film exhibitor.

Born David Wighton in Holloway, London - he is regarded by magicians as the consummate exponent of suave and witty presentation of stage illusion.

Devant was a member of the famous Maskelyne & Cooke company and performed regularly at the Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly, London.

Among Devant's signature routines was his Magic Kettle, which produced, on demand, any alcoholic beverage called for by the audience, and Mascot Moth, an instantaneous vanish of a winged assistant.

Devant was a pioneer of early cinema in London and introduced the theatrograph into the Egyptian Hall show, acquiring one of the first projectors ever made out of his own pocket.

He was the first President of The Magic Circle and the Society celebrates Devant by using his name for their function room in the Headquarters in London.

And so to this property with its blue plaque, Devant lived here in flat No.1.

Tours: Historic Magic Circle Tour

Themes: Quirky Quirky Theme