[Archive]: The Morphets: Masters of Magic, Melody and Mirth, circa 1912

Author: MORPHET, Harry; and Ida Morphet
Title: [Archive]: The Morphets: Masters of Magic, Melody and Mirth, circa 1912
Publication: [Philadelphia: circa 1912]

Description: A small collection of four photographs, one piece of original artwork illustrated with three photographs, and two pieces of ephemera promoting the music and vaudeville performers Harry and Ida Morphet. Based in Philadelphia, the couple traveled across the country on the Lyceum and Chautauqua circuits, making appearances under canvas and in churches and other makeshift performance spaces. They performed together and also with two other musicians, an entertainment consisting of "The Latest Wonders of Oriental Magic, High-Class Prestidigitation and Realistic Ventriloquism; Instrumental Solos, Duets, introducing many new Musical Instruments, Vocal Solos and Impersonations." Harry, a skilled magician, ventriloquist, and musician, was billed as "The Prince of Necromancers".

Among the photographs, Ida is pictured with her large saxophone, Harry is shown performing his sleight of hand "Flag Productions", and both are pictured performing their signature act, in which they illuminated the stage by holding a three-burner chandelier fitted with a flaming Welsbach gas mantle, with Harry blowing his breath through a rubber hose and casting a brilliant light across the auditorium. An attractive collection of scarce original photographs and promotional material, including an unusual handmade broadside maquette illustrated with photographs, documenting an early 20th Century traveling vaudeville act in America. A detailed list is available.

Seller ID: 544223

Subject: Americana, Ephemera, Photography