![]() ![]() Known as a master vaudevillian, it was only natural that he would end up stepping into the film world. Possibly the most captivating piece of ephemera in Illusions: The Art of Magic is one of the straitjackets used in Houdini’s famed escape act, on loan from the private collection of Dr Shedon Jafine.Īpart from being the world’s top escape artist, Houdini also possessed impressive acting and theatrical skills, as well as a flare for entrepreneurship. ![]() His continual quest for new levels of danger and showmanship inspired some of his most iconic feats, including the Water Torture Cell, the Milk Can Escape and the Suspended Straitjacket. His increasingly daring escapes earned him the moniker “The Handcuff King”, as he constantly raised the stakes and wowed audiences worldwide. © McCord Museumīetween 19, Houdini became one of the world’s highest paid performers, playing packed theatres around the world, including in Toronto. Purchase, funds graciously donated by La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso. Strobridge Lithographing Company, Houdini Presents His Own Original Invention, 1916, 20th century, 214.1 x 101.6 cm. After mastering the art of escape, he was able to acquire management and start touring America and eventually Europe. ![]() He found his stride two years later when he began experimenting with escape acts. Houdini’s first foray into magic was in 1891 as a card magician, though success eluded him since his sleight of hand skills were not up to par. There he made his childhood début in show business as a trapeze artist at age nine. at age four, he and his family ended up settling in New York City. Bringing to life the Golden Age of Magic that captivated audiences during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this exhibition of large-scale posters, from the Allan Slaight Collection at the McCord Museum, features eye-catching advertisements for Houdidni’s greatest escapes, alongside a slew of photographs, memorabilia and books.īorn Erik Weisz in 1874 Hungary, Houdini was one of seven children. From his early days in magic, to his most death-defying escapes and his career as a movie star, Illusions places Houdini front and centre. Not only is Harry Houdini the most important magician in history, he is also an icon and pioneer of show business. While this list of history’s most famous names may feel outdated, after one walk through the current special exhibition, Illusions: The Art of Magic, George Bernard Shaw’s grand statement makes a lot more sense. “The three most famous names in history are Jesus Christ, Sherlock Holmes and Harry Houdini.” –George Bernard Shaw ![]()
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