HERB'S MAGIC
  • Herb Scher's Magic
  • Magic Items & Cards
  • Magic Guide NYC
  • Magic in New York Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Antiques
  • Mailing List Sign-Up

Interview with Cristian Petru Panaite, Curator of "Summer of Magic: Treasures from the David Copperfield Collection"

8/25/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
David Copperfield has built the world's most extensive collection of items related to magic, and guests who have visited the displays he has created in a large Las Vegas building marvel at what they are able to see there. The New-York Historical Society has brought a selection of objects from Copperfield's collection to New York which they are showcasing in the exhibition Summer of Magic: Treasures from the David Copperfield Collection, which runs through September 16. In our audio interview (click the player below to listen), the show's curator, Cristian Petru Panaite talks about his process of working with Copperfield to organize the exhibition and gives an overview of the materials on display. Panaite also talks about his own perspective on the meaning of magic and why it is a topic worthy of consideration in a museum like the New-York Historical Society.

The colorful and alluring exhibit features items related to Alexander Herrmann, Harry Kellar, Harry and Bess Houdini, Howard Thurston, Chung Ling Soo (William Robinson), Adelaide Herrmann, Alexander, the Man Who Knows, and numerous others from the 1880s through the 1930s, what the exhibition refers to as "The Golden Age of Magic." Some of the most notable items relate to Houdini, including his Metamorphosis trunk, a milk can, and a costume worn by Bess Houdini. It is also striking to see one of the rifles used by William Robinson in his guise of Chung Ling Soo, in the bullet catch act, which eventually resulted in his death while performing it. The exhibition also features a case full of the types of tricks purchased in magic shops over decades and that will be the envy of anyone who ever covetously paged through the catalog of a favorite magic shop. There also is a selection of stunning, large lithographs, and visitors will have the chance to see one of Copperfield's most well-known illusions.

The Historical Society has also been presenting an extensive series of magic-related programming throughout the summer. Remaining events include today's (August 26) demonstration of a magic lantern show, and a final weekend of performances on September 15 and 16 featuring Duffy Hudson as Harry Houdini.

The New-York Historical Society is located at 170 Central Park West at 77th Street. For more information about Summer of Magic: https://www.nyhistory.org/summer-magic.

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    A Blog About New York's Magic Scene
    Buy Vintage & New Books, Cards, Tricks and More at herbsmagic.com
    Picture
    Out of Print Classic - Buy it at Herb's Magic
    ​
    Join the mailing list for Herb's Magic and the Magic in New York blog (click here).

    Interviews With Magicans

    Steve Cohen
    ​Michael Feldman
    Denny Haney • Scott Alexander & Puck
    Kainoa Harbottle
    Axel Hecklau
    Jimmy Ichihana
    ​David and Leeman
    ​Chris Mayhew
    Jordi Magomero
    Simon Painter (Producer)
    ​David Roth
    ​David Roth on Ricky Jay
    Jeff Prace
    Mike Super
    Garrett Thomas
    David Williamson

    ​
    Interviews by Herb for Parent Assembly 1 Channel
    Mario Marchese
    ​Xavier Spade

    Archives

    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    July 2016
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014

    RSS Feed