A Golden Age of Magic

During the golden age of magic, late nineteenth century performers used ordinary objects – a piece of rope, a square of cloth, cups and balls, playing cards – to amuse and confound audiences. Magicians learned from each other and honed their craft in an informal trans-Atlantic fraternity. Commercially successful actors rarely shared their secrets with the public. Some, however, shared “how-to” tricks and tips with young readers to motivate them to learn the art. This exhibition pairs magic-themed automata from the Guinness Collection with magazines and books published between 1865 and 1910 to understand the enthusiasm for spectacle and the power of illusion to captivate spectators and performers alike.

Leadership support for this exhibition is provided by Will and Mary Leland.

Artwork caption: Conjurer, c. 1875. Firm of Jean-Marie Phalibois, Paris. 25 x 19.5 x 19.25 inches. Murtogh D. Guinness Collection, 2003.18.282a-b Photo: SFO Museum, San Francisco International Airport.