Not currently on display at the V&A

Leaflet

ca.1930 (printed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This leaflet was produced by the American magician Horace Goldin (1879-1939), born Hyman Goldstein of Polish parents. He became famous on both sides of the Atlantic for his act filled with dozens of tricks and performed at lightning speed. His signature illusion, Sawing a Woman in Half, was inspired by P.T.Selbit's similar act, Sawing Through a Woman. When other performers began to copy Goldin's effect, he replaced it with a spectacular Buzzsaw version, illustrated on the front cover of the leaflet.

The leaflet also advertises the book of tricks written by Horace Goldin, and tricks that could be bought from Will Goldstone Ltd., London's leading magic dealer. The son of a Polish tailor born in Liverpool, Will Goldston started his career in 1905 running the Theatrical and Entertainments department of Gamages store in Holborn.

Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Printed paper
Brief description
Leaflet advertising the magic act of the Polish-born American magician Horace Goldin (1874-1939) on its front cover, Horace Goldin's Book of Mystery on the back cover, and tricks that could be bought from Will Goldston Ltd. inside. Printed by The Central Printing Co. (Charles Sowden Ltd.), Burnley, Lancashire. ca.1930.
Physical description
Leaflet, the cover printed in blue and pink on buff paper, advertising the magic act of the American magician Horace Goldin (1874-1939). The words 'Horace GOLDIN CREATOR of WONDERS' appear in upper and lower case in pink and beige lettering top left, with a portrait of Horace Goldin wearing a dress suit with white bow tie top right, his face incorporating images of three naked ladies, two of them holding hats which form his eyes and eyebrows. The words 'ROYAL ILLUSIONIST' and '2 HOURS SHOW in 50 MINUTES!' appear bottom right. The images include a set of decorative pins apparently given to him by Royalty, including King Edward VII, King George V and the King of Siam, and images of some of his most spectacular acts, The Indian Rope Trick, Life in a Balloon, Walking Through Glass and The Feathered Flight. The back page advertises Goldin's Book of Mystery and the inside spread depicts shadow shapes to make with your hands, and magic tricks that can be bought from Will Goldston Ltd., Aladdin House, 14 Green Street, Leicester Square, London WC2.
Dimensions
  • Height: 28.0cm
  • Width: 21.6cm
Credit line
Given by Davenport's Magic Shop
Historical context
Polish-born illusionist Horace Goldin (born Hyman Goldstein) was noted for his lightning-fast style. An important stage illusionist, he is credited with inventing the Sawing a Woman In Two illusion and the Buzz Saw illusion.
Summary
This leaflet was produced by the American magician Horace Goldin (1879-1939), born Hyman Goldstein of Polish parents. He became famous on both sides of the Atlantic for his act filled with dozens of tricks and performed at lightning speed. His signature illusion, Sawing a Woman in Half, was inspired by P.T.Selbit's similar act, Sawing Through a Woman. When other performers began to copy Goldin's effect, he replaced it with a spectacular Buzzsaw version, illustrated on the front cover of the leaflet.

The leaflet also advertises the book of tricks written by Horace Goldin, and tricks that could be bought from Will Goldstone Ltd., London's leading magic dealer. The son of a Polish tailor born in Liverpool, Will Goldston started his career in 1905 running the Theatrical and Entertainments department of Gamages store in Holborn.
Collection
Accession number
S.160-1987

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Record createdJuly 18, 2007
Record URL
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