- History -
The club was formed in April 1941. One of the founder members was Paul Clive, the Blackpool Magic Dealer, who had two 'Witchcraft' magic shops. One was situated on the North Pier, one on Central Pier a further shop was situated on Central Drive and he also owned a warehouse in Blackpool.
Paul Clive wrote 'Card Tricks Without Skill' and his brother, Douglas Craggs wrote 'The A.B.C. of Ventriloquism'. He was also well known at the Magic Circle in London.
Paul eventually went to live in the U.S.A., later returning to Blackpool.
The club was first known as the 'North West Magicians Club' but approximately 10 years later in February, 1951, the name was altered to 'Blackpool Magic Circle'. Some time later the Magic Circle in London wrote to all other clubs using the title of 'Magic Circle' in their name and asked them if they would change it.
So Blackpool once again changed their name to that which it is today BLACKPOOL MAGICIANS' CLUB.
Edward Victor was the club's first Honorary Life President. He was a Royal Command performer who
specialised in sleight of hand and Shadowgraphs. Author of 'Magic of the Hands', he visited the club whenever he played Blackpool.
Peter Warlock was asked to accept the Honorary Life Presidency after the death of Edward Victor.
After the death of Peter Warlock well known star comedian KEN DODD O.B.E. was invited to accept the position of Honorary Life President and always proudly wears the insignia when performing a 'spot' every year at the Convention.
The club has had many well known names as Honorary Life Vice Presidents including the late Jack Kinson who is remembered for his famous 'Kinson's Flying Record' trick sold by many magic dealers in the 50's and 60's. Billy O'Connor (and his 52 assistants), Fred Brezin and Kardoma (fills the stage with flags). Well known Magic Dealer, the late Charles Fitness and Murray the famous escapologist were also Hon. Life Vice Presidents for a number of years along with 'little' Harry Dewhirst who was a Convention Organiser for many years.
Honorary Life Vice Presidents are limited to three in number and currently the positions are held by Bill Lamb, Tom Owen
and Mark Raffles.
Honorary members have included the late Colonel Edward Graves who wrote a column in the 'World's Fair' for many years, the late Jack Shaw, originator of the 'The Wychwoods', the late Will Dexter author of 'The Riddle of Chung Ling Soo' and many other books.
Current Honorary Life Members are Bev Bergeron of the U.S.A., Lance Burton, David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, Ken Robinson,
Cyril Critchlow, Steve Eastham, John Todd, Derek Lever and Ian Ogilvy.
Johnny Hart a former member of Blackpool Magicians' Club began his magical career by winning one of our competitions, then went on to win the Magic Circle 'Young Magician of the Year' competition.
The world famous Convention has been run by Blackpool Magicians Club for 52 years and the year 2002
saw us celebrate our 50th Magic Convention in grand style.
Previous Convention Organisers have been Harry Dewhirst, Bill Lamb, Tom Owen, Steve
Eastham and Ian Ogilvy.
The current Organiser is Derek Lever .
The Convention was for many years operated for one day only at the Casino at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Then as it grew larger it was moved to the Winter Gardens.
In 1986 Derek Lever originated 'The British Magical Championships' and the first event was held on the Saturday night at the Horseshoe Showbar at the Casino. The Grand Prix winner was none other than Blackpool Magicians Club Past President Mark Raffles.
In recent years the Championships has expanded so much it now takes place in the 3,000 seater Opera House and a British Magical Close-Up Championships takes place on the Friday evening, making the Convention an exciting week-end instead of just one day.
Blackpool Magicians Club has a very strong and active Junior Membership who meet once a month in our purpose built Clubroom at the Savoy Hotel and this section of the club is organised by Alan
Mylecraine, Michael Howarth and Russell Brown.
Despite having only around 45 members the Blackpool Magicians Club manage to mount the world's largest Magic Convention every February when nearly 3,000 magicians from all over the world are thoroughly entertained for 2.5 days by international magic stars in the Opera House and Winter Gardens. A remarkable achievement and long may it continue.
The current club badge was designed by Bill Lamb, who used the design on the front cover of the book 'Tricks and Illusions' by Will Goldston, who visited the club in August 1942 and donated some books so that the club could start a library.