Conjuring Arts Research Center » Escape Artist

BBC Features Randini!

rickysmith — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:52:42 +0000

Greetings! Next Tuesday, October 12, the BBC will have a feature on Randini on their radio program Making History. Some of you may be familiar with him from reading The Secret Life of Houdini or perhaps through Edwin Dawes’ article in the Magic Circular (members can view this by going to the link at the bottom of the page), however, all of you will probably know about one of his innovations. He is known for originating the feat of escaping from a strait jacket upside down while dangling by his feet! No doubt you have come across images of Randini’s hero, Houdini, performing this perilous feat. Now you can listen to the story of the man who brought it to Houdini’s attention.

Further information can be found in the excellent book, by Ann Beedham, Randini: The Man Who Helped Houdini which is available here.

“A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities 280: Castleton’s House of Wonders: Randolph O. Douglas, His Museum and His Houdini Collection” by Edwin A. Dawes MIMC in the Magic Circular Issue 1027 Volume 96 February 2002

Who Was This Magician?

CARC — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:32:54 +0000

This Houdini-era photo by the famed New York photographer Vanderzee has been around the magic scene for some time. Here at Conjuring Arts it has been a mystery as to the identity of this vaudevillian.

When the Conjuring Arts acquired a file of miscellaneous letters we found that this unnamed escape artist seems to be none other than the Great Bromo.

Please take a closer look at Bromo’s letter and over 90 other interesting letters from our collection.

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Handcuffs: A Rogue’s Gallery

CARC — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:39:23 +0000

An interesting collection of photos of handcuffs and restraints. We are not sure who owned this collection. If you know please let us know. Enjoy.

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