Huge antique theatre poster / playbill from around 1870, featuring two early magic acts - probably some of the first examples of magic acts performed in a West End, London theatre.

"The Celebrated M. Hermann, (Or Manover), Premier Prestigigitater of France and the acknowledged First Professor of Magic in the World, respectfully announces to the Nobility and the Pubic in general, that his SOIREES MAGIQUE will take place every evening during Passion Week (Good Friday excepted). In addittion to which Madame Hermann (his wife) will exhibit her Extraordinary Powers of SECOND SIGHT or Animal Magnetism, by divining with closed eyes any objects that may be submitted to this proof". (Early example of a Mentallist.)

Alexander Hermann (1844-1896) was a French magician, better known as Hermann the Great. He was married to a magician called Adelaide Hermann, known as the Queen of Magic. Hermann was born in Paris, the youngest of sixteen children to Samuel Hermann, a German Jew, and Anna Meyer Hermann, of Breton descent, though she many have been born in Hamburg. (Both husband and wife magicians are on this playbill.)

This playbill also features a New Comic Drama, adapted from the French entitled LAVATER THE PHYSIOGNOMIST And a Good Judge Too.

This play is loosely based on the life of Johann Kaspar Lavater (1741-1801) a Swiss writer, Protestant pastor and founder of phsyiognomics - or face reading, the practice of assessing a person's charactger or personality from their outer appearance. 

This playbill / poster measures 20" tall by 9" wide (50 cm x 23 cm).

Single horizontal fold, as originally issued, and will be posted as such. Good condition - see photos. 

On tissue-thin, flmsy, white paper with black titling, so extremely scarce and a remarkable survivor - over 150 years old. Not intended to survive beyond a few days or weeks. 

An early Victorian Playbill featuring two magic acts is extremely rare, not to mention an even scarcer play about the "quack science" of physiognomy.

Worth £150-£200 in the right auction.  

 

£45 + Postage £4.70 UK, £12.50 Europe, £20 USA/world - wtih tracking. I will combine postage if you buy more than one item.