Magic shops in London are a hub for all things mystical, enchanting, and spellbinding. These shops offer a wide range of magic tricks, props, books, and accessories for both amateur and professional magicians. With their whimsical interiors and knowledgeable staff, magic shops create an immersive experience for visitors. From traditional card tricks to mind-boggling illusions, these stores have something to cater to every magician's needs. London is home to some of the oldest and most renowned magic shops in the world. Davenport's Magic Shop, established in 1898, is one such institution that continues to attract magicians from around the globe.
A trip inside London’s only remaining magic shop
International Magic, which has been trading in Clerkenwell Road since 1958, has a mission – to bring more magic into our lives. Even the unchanged 1902-vintage red painted shopfront close to Leather Lane looks like something out of a film set, while within is a cornucopia of tricks large and small, how-to books on magic, doctored top hats, old posters, pictures of past customers including Tommy Cooper, and lots of playing cards. Martin Macmillan, who runs the shop, is himself a magician who comes from a line of conjurers. His late magician father Ron, a music hall performer, started the shop, and it fell to Martin to make it his lifelong vocation.
“I came here as a kid,” he says. “When I was at school in east London, I’d just come into the shop. I was born into it.” As magic shops have dwindled, International Magic finds itself in the position of being both the last magic shop in London and the UK’s oldest magic retail shop.
“When I was young there were eight magic shops in walking distance from here” says Martin. “I could have walked between them in an afternoon, from Wardour Street to Tottenham Court Road.” Now the market for magic has been changed by the internet but this also means that International Magic has become a tourist destination. “We are the only magic shop in London so when magic-minded tourists come to town they make a beeline here.”
Despite this, magic is actually more popular than ever. “Go back 40 or 50 years, and you’d have to make an effort to learn magic,” says Martin. “Now it’s much easier, because you can go onto YouTube and learn some tricks.” That may be good, but as Martin says, “because it’s more widely done, I would say there’s also a lot more bad magic.”
Magic as entertainment has also changed. There are far fewer stage shows, but there are plenty of ‘table hoppers’ – magicians who move between guests at parties, weddings and corporate events. “This has grown tremendously because of marketing and corporate events,” says Martin, who says that “some are better than others.” It means that ‘close-up magic’ is more popular.
There’s been movement at the other end of the scale too – blockbusting shows by the likes of David Blaine, Penn and Teller and David Copperfield – while there’s another tendency, like Derren Brown, for the more psychological end of magic. “A good thinker,” says Martin. “He definitely popularised what we call ‘mental magic’ and it’s not all sleight of hand now.” Harry Potter has also helped.
The big sellers are the simple tricks, says Martin, demonstrating a few off-the-shelf tricks at the counter, where seemingly empty bags produce an endless stream of boxes and unprinted packs of cards suddenly show their colours. The point is, says Martin, that we all need a little bit more magic, particularly in depressing times. “Magic is something that will always arouse curiosity.”
International Magic, 89 Clerkenwell Road EC1 Call 020 7405 7324
Martin Macmillan stands in front of London’s only remaining magic shop, International Magic
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Davenport's Magic Shop, established in 1898, is one such institution that continues to attract magicians from around the globe. This shop offers a vast collection of tricks, books, and novelty items, making it a go-to destination for both beginners and advanced magicians. The Magic Circle Shop, located within The Magic Circle headquarters, is another notable magic shop in London.
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This shop is a treasure trove for magic enthusiasts, offering an extensive range of props and magic-related merchandise. Additionally, The Magic Circle also hosts regular lectures and performances, providing an opportunity to witness world-class magic firsthand. In recent years, magic shops in London have evolved to cater to the modern magician. Shops like International Magic and PropDog offer cutting-edge magic tricks, innovative props, and instructional DVDs. They also provide workshops and classes for aspiring magicians to hone their skills and learn from industry professionals. Beyond just selling magic props, these shops also foster a sense of community among magicians. They often serve as meeting places for magicians to share their knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on new tricks. This sense of camaraderie sets them apart from ordinary retail stores and adds to the magic shop experience. Whether you are a professional magician, an amateur enthusiast, or simply someone interested in the art of magic, visiting a magic shop in London is a must. The rich history, vast selection of products, and knowledgeable staff create an enchanting atmosphere that will leave you spellbound. So, step into the world of magic, and prepare to be amazed!.
Reviews for "From tricks to props: Exploring London's must-visit magic shops"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was highly disappointed with my visit to Magic Shops London. The whole experience felt lackluster and uneventful. The staff seemed disinterested and unhelpful, making me feel like an inconvenience rather than a customer. The selection of magic tricks and props was limited and unimpressive. Overall, my visit to Magic Shops London was highly underwhelming and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and enjoyable magic shopping experience.
2. John - 2 stars
Magic Shops London did not live up to my expectations. The store was small and poorly organized, making it difficult to find what I was looking for. The staff was not knowledgeable about their products and were unable to offer any helpful suggestions or advice. The prices were also quite high for the quality of the items available. Overall, I left feeling unsatisfied and frustrated with my experience at Magic Shops London.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I was not impressed with my visit to Magic Shops London. The customer service was subpar, with the staff appearing uninterested and disengaged. The store itself was cramped and cluttered, making it difficult to browse through the merchandise. Additionally, the selection of magic tricks and props was limited and unexciting. Overall, I left the store feeling disappointed and would not recommend Magic Shops London to those seeking a wide variety and excellent customer service.
4. Mike - 3 stars
My visit to Magic Shops London was just average. While the staff was friendly, I found the overall experience to be lackluster. The store was relatively small and offered a limited range of products. The prices were also on the higher side compared to other magic shops in the area. While I appreciate the convenience of having a magic shop in London, I believe there are better options available for magic enthusiasts.