This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/19/2021
Culpitt, Frederick. Archive of Magician Fred Culpitt Ephemera and Personal Documents. Over 30 items, including two of Culpitt’s passports, and two of his assistant’s, Jan Glenrose, with enclosed visas and ENSA work permits for the couple from WWII; TLSs written by Culpitt (some with attachments explaining various illusions including the “Box of Bricks” effect); photographs (including one signed and inscribed by Culpitt, a cabinet card of Glenrose, and several candid photos of the two); two original watercolors by Culpitt, both signed and one inscribed; a signed Maskelyne & Devant contract for Glenrose; several programs, including one for Culpitt at St. George’s Hall; and magazine articles both written by and about Culpitt. An important archive.Best-remembered today as the inventor of the Doll House illusion, Culpitt (1877 – 1944) created other popular effects, among them the Bathing Beauty and the sucker version of the Silk to Egg (inspired by Kling Klang). He favored a comedic style of performing and wrote a book on the subject, “Laughter and Legerdemain,” in 1928. He was a regular performer at St. George’s Hall in London, working steadily for Maskelyne & Devant for years. He was also the first magician to appear on television, taking part in test broadcasts for the BBC staged at Alexandra Palace, London, in October 1936.