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I'm interested in victorian magic and the idea of a gentleman magician performing magic in a parlour

can you suggest any effects that are built into fabric of room - including furniture

for instance, air going through tube under rug to operate a trick

in other words, instead of doing stage magic in a room or close up, actually utilising the room

i've seen stuff like this in fake seances where candeliers made to rock

i dont need method revelaed, just ideas for static effects

cheers

I made a bunch of candles that lit themselves (well.. at the flick of a switch) years ago. Atmospheric lighting would play a large part in something like this and is something you should consider early on.

Plate lifters might be fun; roller blinds with luminous designs painted on them, for lights-out fun; a shelf of books suitable for a book test; 'impromtu' black art illusions could be made possible in a number of ways. Endless possibilities if you completely control a room.

abecedarianmind there are several books out, though biographic, that can give you ideas as well as the mechanics actually used in those days.

The rug item you are asking about is actually being marketed later this year using a more contemporary mode of technology that's less tell-tell than the originals. I don't have the exact dates of release but probably June at the earliest. I'll post more on that item and some other "Victorian" or "Parlor" themed materials being produced through this same source in that said items in question are from my own inventory.

Dale or Allen will probably know the title, but there was a book put out probably 20 some years ago that dealt with the idea of building magic into one's home; secret compartments, thread hook ups, listening devices as well as secret "hot spots" that would allow an accomplice to feed you information without anyone being aware, etc.

Probably the more famous Parlor arrangements I'm aware of, and I do believe they were published, were those associated with the Old Thayer Studio, which happens to be the private home of the Larsen family (both of the late Bill Larsen, Irene and the kids)... these are the folks that made the Magic Castle happen (if you weren't aware of that fact).

You may want to attempt discussion of this idea with James Hamilton of the San Francisco Bay area in that he's done a program that's a complete replica of the original Alexander Hermann program for years. Two other sources would be Norm Nelson (Nelson Magic) and Whit "Pop" Hayden (you can find him through the Scoundrels Forum), they may have some ideas for you on that front.

Something that totally slipped my mind that I should have asked initially, is how formal vs. abstract do you see this project?

My buddy Paul Brook has taken on the mantel of the proper and reserved British Gent. I would imagine, based on our conversations, that his personal goal will be rich wood paneling and lots of books & book shelves. On the other hand you have folks like me, that tend to be more "esoteric" and by nature "pack rats" who have a menagerie of curios; everything from books on the macabre, occult and witchery to artifacts that apparently came from actual Gypsy and Spiritualists parlors; mummified hands, monkey paws, skulls of various sorts as well as wands and of course Seance type devices ranging from a collection of talking boards to enchanted bells, slates and talking horns or tea pots.

Either of these settings fit the Victorian idea, one being dedicated to a more sophisticated "Sherlock Holmes" nature while the other is more akin to Professor Dumbledor's (sp) suit at Hogwarts or perhaps the home of one P.T. Barnum

Should your tastes stray towards the latter, I can assure you that there are many resources about, starting with some of the items you will find at OUTLAW Effects or Lebanon Circle. So enjoy!

I cant reccal the title Craig, but i know what you mean.


this isnt the book, but it might have something usefull. ( I dont have this by the way But i now have a craving!!! Damn Cups..)

http://www.worldmagicshop.co.uk/little- ... -5746.html

have you thought about a slight change in style, was reminded of this http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic28162-0-asc-15.php and thought it a fantastic way of introducing curios that fit into a Victorian themed setting while having a range of magical possibilities.... just a thought.

An interesting thread for me as I'm a fair way along a similarly themed parlour routine, having already bought the outfit and various accessories.

I've got between 40 and 50 minutes of performance material that I'm now starting to edit down into a 30 minute routine.

May I suggest that you take a look at the Victorian Collection on the Five of Hearts web site and you may get a few ideas from here.

Craig Browning wrote:

Probably the more famous Parlor arrangements I'm aware of, and I do believe they were published, were those associated with the Old Thayer Studio, which happens to be the private home of the Larsen family (both of the late Bill Larsen, Irene and the kids)... these are the folks that made the Magic Castle happen (if you weren't aware of that fact).

Ive been to the Thayer studio, Its perched on the edge of a shallow valley, right next to the Larsens swimming pool.

Irene told us that the place once got flodded, and all the local kids spent weeks scrabbling through the mud, looking for TTs, and coin boxes

For ideas and how to achive gimmicked rooms for parlour effects i advise you to purchase Larry Becker & Lee Earle's Manifestations booklet and CD package - It really is a solid piece of work.

http://www.world-of-magic.co.uk/CD_Manifestations_CD_setbook_by_Lee_Earle__i15385.asp

Manifestations has some interesting stuff in it but I don't believe it's what this lad is looking for; that's a Seance show that most people have a bear of a time trying to replicate.

It may be a bear trying to replicate but its blinkin amazing what can be done, and although doesnt necessarily tell you how to replicate the whole lot, it gives ideas and inspiration, worth a read in my opinion. I know making manifestations manuscript is usually available on the bay of the e variety...

F x

abecedarianmind wrote:
can you suggest any effects that are built into fabric of room - including furniture

Maybe you are kinda right Craig with it being a bear to replicate,however we all know that replicating a fellow magi is not the correct way to perform magic & effects,people should be themselves and not a copycat drone.

In Manifestations the things that spring to mind regarding abecedarianmind request are without giving exposure away are things like fireplace mantle,windows,picture frames,air conditioning etc

I presumed he was looking for this kind of stuff instead?

Fairesnuff - Im with you regarding inspiration with manifestations,it is truly a spectacular piece of work - If had a Tardis...manifestaions the performance would be one of my 1st stops back in time ( my second would to move houdini out of the way from that sly belly punch )

The mnemonics disk is great all on its own,its the only mnemonic system i use and i have taken it all the way to remembering 100 items,although i think it wasnt Larry or Lee system they used but Harry Lorraines if my memory serves me correctly

Double post..Ooops sorry

cool replies

ive got manifestations, and i love the suggestions

and harry lorraine's stuff

i have a friend who is an antiques restorer and clock repairer, and another who does electronics, so any suggestions on what they could do?

levitations?
boxes that reveal contents?

by the way, anyone know the name of the book without a name?

d

abecedarianmind wrote:levitations?
boxes that reveal contents?

For example:
Table levitations (finger, arm and waist methods)
Small object levitations with invisible threads across the room
Mirror box cabinet