This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/24/2024
HELLIS, Robert (1835 – 95). Archive of Victorian Magic Trick Instructions. [London], 1875 – 81. A group of handwritten and illustrated instructions on approximately 36 leaves (most filled with notes on both sides) of his printed 8vo stationery bearing the address of Hellis’s “Magical Athenaeum” at 13 Silver Street, Kensington W., all addressed in his hand to an anonymous magic pupil and describing the workings of a wide range of close-up and parlor magic tricks including card effects, blood writing on the arm (with reference to Dr. Lynn), gimmicked dictionaries, Handkerchief and Soup Plate (incorporating a pull for the vanish), and more. Some notes mention the enclosure of props used to perform the tricks described. Most missives SIGNED “Yours faithfully / Robert Hellis.” Age-related wear as expected, with some sheets significantly browned or worn, but generally good or better condition overall.Among Hellis’s pupils were Dr. Holden and Professor Hoffmann. Interestingly, one of these notes describes the secret behind Hoffmann’s Cigar Trick.