Project Salamangka - The Magic Circle

The Magic Circle Mission Statement

"To be acknowledged as the premier magical society in the world by magicians and the public alike through the pursuit of the highest standards and the promotion of the art of magic and the appreciation of its heritage."

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the website of The Magic Circle, the most prestigious society in the fascinating world of magic and illusion. We have an international membership of around 1500, all dedicated to promoting and advancing the art of magic, an entertainment as popular today as when our famous club was formed in 1905.

The Magic Circle realised a long held ambition in 1998, when we opened our own purpose built Headquarters in Euston, close to London's West End. Here, in addition to our superb, fully equipped theatre, we have our libraries, splendid museum, and on display our vast collection of posters and memorabilia relating to the history of mystery.

Our Clubrooms are the regular meeting place of the leading magicians of today.

In this unique setting, we present shows and special events where the public can experience the atmosphere of our home of magic, which has become an award-winning venue for corporate functions and conferences.

Enjoy your Internet tour, and I hope that you will in reality visit us and enjoy a special magical experience at our HQ in Stephenson Way.

History

On a summer's day in 1905, twenty three amateur and professional magicians gathered together at London's Pinoli's Restaurant with the intention of forming a magic club. The result was the founding of The Magic Circle.

The first official meeting was held at The Green Man public house in Soho, but later meetings were held in a room above the stage of St. George's Hall in Langham Place, where Maskelyne and Devant presented their mysteries to a delighted public for so many years. David Devant, the greatest magician of his era, became the first President of The Magic Circle, and the Society grew rapidly and prospered.

In 1906, Nevil Maskelyne edited the first issue of The Magic Circular, and on its cover were the signs of the zodiac which, together with the words "Indocilis Privata Loqui", were destined to become the emblem of The Magic Circle. (The Latin motto, roughly translated, means "not apt to disclose secrets" - and any member who does so may be subject to expulsion from the Society.)

The Magic Circular has been published continuously since that time and today, twelve issues a year link members worldwide.

Membership

The total membership is around 1,500, and a quarter of these live overseas in 38 countries.

Men or women seeking to join must:

be over 18 years of age
be proposed and seconded by existing members who have known them for at least one year
undergo an interview with one of the senior members of The Magic Circle to establish that they have sufficient knowledge and skills
study in order to pass their examination, within one year.

Full membership is restricted to those who can demonstrate a practical ability in the art of magic.

Higher degrees are awarded either by further examination or through known performing ability. Promotion may also be given for services to The Magic Circle or to magic generally.

If you would like further information on joining then please visit our How To Join page.

Headquarters

In 1998, The Magic Circle moved into its new permanent Headquarters at 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1, conveniently situated just two minutes from Euston Station. The 7,000 square foot building, called The Centre for the Magic Arts, was designed and refurbished at a cost of £2.1 million, and has widely been acclaimed as the finest magic headquarters in the world.

It includes a Clubroom and The Devant Room with showcases displaying unique apparatus of the past. More priceless treasures, memorabilia and magical posters are in a further museum on the lower ground floor. This heritage area also houses the lending and reference libraries with the largest collection of magic books in Europe. The antiquarian library includes the first book on conjuring in the English language, Scott's "Discoverie of Witchcraft". Books from the lending library may also be borrowed free of charge and there is also a video room for members to view performances of magicians past and present.

At the top of the building, reached by lift or the spectacular helical staircase, is the fully equipped theatre, where magic shows of all kinds are presented. It has comfortable raked seating for 162 with excellent sound and lighting as well as artistes' dressing rooms.

The Magic Circle headquarters has become the focal point for magic and magicians in the United Kingdom and is open for members each Monday (except Public Holidays) when an organised show, lecture or other event is presented. Refreshments are available and the libraries and museum are open.

Events

Auction sales of apparatus and books are held from time to time, and each year a Dealers' Day is held in London when members can see the latest developments in magic. Those interested in rare apparatus, books, magical ephemera and the history of magic will want to attend Collectors' Day, which is held annually at headquarters.

Every year The Magic Circle stages different competitions. The Stage Magician Of The Year, for instance, encourages platform, cabaret and stage performers, whilst The Young Magician of the Year has produced many professional magicians who are today performing successfully throughout the world. The Young Magicians Club, run by a team from The Magic Circle, is for youngsters of 10 up to 18 years who are interested in magic.

An informal Supper is held each Spring, and in the Autumn a prestigious Awards Banquet is staged at a London Hotel. Members may invite guests to both these functions as well as to magic shows that are presented at headquarters from time to time.

The Magic Circle is also open to visitors for regular special evenings called Meet The Magic Circle, with close-up magic, a talk on the history of mystery and stage performances. Refreshments are included in these unique and entertaining evenings, to which groups (up to 120) or individuals can be invited.