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Hello, A friend of mine is looking for a place to purchase some really traditional looking Stage effects in the U.K does anyone have a link to a suppliers? Or a nudge in the right direction of Im sure a previouslys discussed post?

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What kind of "traditional stuff" are you talking about; a Flower & Bird Act? grand illusions?

Is he looking for props, sets, costumes... all of the above?

Does he have real money for making the investment or just the fantasy of owning such things?

It's been years since I've priced out hand-props but I just saw a set of Linking Rings in one magic catalog that sold for nearly $300.00 and a Flower Bontania (used) going for over $300.00 on a magic auction site (I used to pay about $60.00 for those things..)

Grand Illusion type stuff can be found in decent condition and at a fair price through MagicAuction.com. But brace yourself; a 20 year old Thin Model Sawing in Half cabinet usually starts at around $2,000.00 (depending on the builder). If you are shooting for historical accuracy, the early versions of this effect did not have the tapered based but what is known as a "stacked" base (not nearly as deceptive). Similarly, the better (more deceptive) units were and are still made by Bill Smith and John Gaughan; John's "diamond" base is absolutely gorgeous and super deceptive but the last one I saw in auction went for about $10,000.00 USED.

If you are looking at the "Golden Era" and props akin to what Kellar, Dante & Thurston worked with, your best bet would be to get a copy of the old Thayer & Abbott Workshop Plans and build your own. Just know that these things are huge, weigh a ton (in some cases, literally) and aren't nearly as deceptive or adaptable as the latter 20th century and early 21st century designs are, but they do have certain advantages over the modern variations.

When it comes to true Grand Illusions you can figure an average cost per effect of about $2,000.00 (provided you are using proven construction methods and materials) and you'll have 30-50 hours of your time invested into each unit.

If you decide to build do yourself a huge favor and study the following resources first;

The Complete Paul Osborne Illusion Plan series... this will give you some valuable (priceless) insights as to the do's and don'ts of magic construction, finishing, etc.

Rand Woodbury & Jim Stinemeyer Books will lend to you insight as to "new" thinking, newer materials that are available and of course, effect concepts.

There are a few other resources and plan book systems out there, but when it comes to the basics and learning the construction side of things these should be your foundation materials... believe it or not, these and the old Thayer Illusion Plan set by Byron Wells can be found on the shelves of all the major builders, most of whom swear by them.

Feel free to touch base with me should you have any additional questions on this particular topic.

BTW here's a little something Ken Whitaker and I cooked up about ten years ago, just in case you're wondering why I'd know anything about this stuff...


SHADOW VISION

Thankyou for that in depth response thats a great help x