Handcuffs used by Harry Houdini for the London Daily Mirror challenge, 1904, Copperfield Collection Photo: Homer Liwag This Summer The New-York Historical Society is focusing on magic with a wide range of presentations including a rare public exhibition of items from David Copperfield's extensive collection of materials documenting the history of the art. The acclaimed magician has created elaborate displays of materials from his collection in his private museum in Las Vegas, however that facility is not open to the general public. The viewing of these items in New York provides an opportunity for magic lovers to see such treasures from Copperfield's collection as the Metamorphosis Trunk used by Harry and Bess Houdini, handcuffs from Houdini's 1904 London Daily Mirror challenge, Houdini's milk can used for his milk can escape, a dress believed to have been worn by Adelaide Herrmann, Harry Kellar's Nested Boxes illusion, props belonging to Alexander the Man who Knows, A. C. Gilbert magic sets, items from Tannen's catalog and much more. The materials will be shown here in the exhibition Summer of Magic:Treasures from the David Copperfield Collection, which runs June 15 through September 16.
A playing cards display from Martinka Magic Shop, 1880–1910, Copperfield Collection Photo: Glenn Castellano The Society has a very wide range of magic related programming planned for its Summer of Magic, including events for families, historical talks, magic performances, workshops, free film screenings and much more. This includes an appearance by David Copperfield on June 16 in conversation with United States Congressman (and magician) Marc Pocan, who worked with Copperfield on the "Magic as an Art" resolution in Congress. Other events over the course of the summer will feature appearances by magicians Kent Axell, Eric Walton, Joshua Jay, and Tanya Solomon; magic historian Margaret Steel, in a talk about Adelaide Herrmann; and Gabriella Corey who will discuss magic's early history. The extensive schedule reveals an impressive commitment on the part of the Society to magic this summer.
The New-York Historical Society is located at 170 Central Park West at 77th Street. For more information about their Summer of Magic presentations, including a listing of the events and links to purchase tickets, visit: nyhistory.org/summer-magic
A selection of images from Summer of Magic: Treasures from the David Copperfield Collection
The New-York Historical Society is located at 170 Central Park West at 77th Street. For more information about their Summer of Magic presentations, including a listing of the events and links to purchase tickets, visit: nyhistory.org/summer-magic
A selection of images from Summer of Magic: Treasures from the David Copperfield Collection
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