Latest Posts

Robert Olson has been performing historical shows as magicians Richard Potter and Bayly for several decades.  His performances are authentic, entertaining, and educational.  And, you will learn what it means to be fooled by a gentleman. 

As Mr. Olson says from the 1978 New York Times article, Recapturing Magic of the Past, “Let’s just say that Richard Potter is my contribution to history. I want to conserve his work in all of the authentic detail it deserves. Besides, the old stuff is still good.“

Read More

Lots include ephemera relating to Spiritualism from Houdini’s personal research files, a Horace Goldin’s Scrapbook, and apparatus from Ray Goulet’s Magic Art Studio.

Online bidding for Haversat & Ewing’s 100 Lot online auction opens on Friday, April 20th at 11AM EST. Register online at Haversat & Ewing Galleries to view the all the lots and place bids.

Read More

The arrival of the new Phantasmagoria exhibit at the MFA provides good reason to mention Richard Balzar’s Peepshows: A Visual History.   This charming book details the history of optical toys such as magic lanterns and peepshows that predated movies, and which created the illusion of images that moved. The devices flourished as popular entertainment in the 18th century.

The MFA exhibit features many items from the late Richard Balzer’s collection. Years ago,  Mr. Balzer presented a fascinating lecture at Magic Art Studio that introduced NEMCA members to his magic lantern collection.  

Read More

The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is sponsoring a special exhibit on The Phantasmagoria now through June 24th.

Phantasmagoria was a form of horror  theater that (among other techniques) used one or more optical devices known as magic lanterns to project frightening images such as skeletons, demons, and ghosts onto walls, smoke, or semi-transparent screens.  The shows started under the guise of actual séances in Germany in the late 18th century, and gained popularity through most of Europe (including Britain) throughout the 19th century.  Learn more about Phantasmagoria at the MFA.

Read More