The Magic Collection of John Daniel

Virgil (Virgil Harris Mulkey). The Great Virgil’s Doll House Backdrop. Wilmington Ohio, S.S. Henry, ca. 1930. Gigantic silk backdrop hand painted by Henry for Virgil, used in conjunction with his presentation of the Culpitt Doll House illusion, early in his career. Dragon motif, bearing Virgil’s name in red above the design. Signed by the artist. 104 x 120”. Sold with a photograph of Virgil using the backdrop. Together with a second Henry-painted drop in poor condition, 32 x 120”. Henry painted silks and backdrops for other magicians to order, and also built a handful of illusions and small props for fellow magicians. Seldom have any of his signed works survived the years since they were created, especially the fragile silks he produced.