The Nottingham
Guild of Magicians
Purpose & Objectives
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Last Updated - 28 June 2009 |
The Guild of Magicians' primary objective
is to provide a meeting place for anyone
seriuosly interested in the art of magic.
It provides a forum for the interchange of
ideas and training in the many skills, crafts and techniques of magic.
It promotes the practice of magic and its presentation as an entertainment.
A Brief History of the Guild of Magicians Nottingham, or as it's now more commonly known - The Nottingham Guild of Magicians.
Founded in 1939 at the well-known theatrical store The Sign of Four Theatre Shop, which was located on Derby Road, the founding members were - Cpt Val Jackson, Stonewall Jackson, Bertram Millidge, Rev R. W. Lax West, Maurice Goldworth, G. Harding, Denis Gardner, and R. Richardson.
All were amateurs or professionals enthusiastically looking for regular place to talk magic, and they found one in the formation of the Guild.
The reason it was named 'Guild of Magicians' and not 'Nottingham Magic Circle' is now lost in the midsts of time; however it does make the club stand out as being slightly different.
The Sign of Four Theatre Shop was the Guild's home throughout the war, albeit on an "on and off" basis, due to a number of members being called up. Those that were not played a vital role in entertaining the people of Nottingham, and many visiting members of the armed forces.
As the number of members increased during the 40's and 50's, the Guild decided it needed bigger and better premises. The society successfully moved to the Y.M.C.A. in the city centre where they met twice monthly.
Rising costs and inner city worries later caused the Guild to move in 1979 to its present Headquarters, the Arts Centre, Pond Hills Lane, Arnold, under the auspices of the Gedling Borough Arts Association.
Here we meet each first and third Thursday in most months to see lecturers from all over the world, workshops, demonstrations, practical discussions, competitions, exchange visits with other societies; anything in fact which will enable the Members to learn, to practice and to improve their skills in the art of magic as an entertainment.
At present there are around 50 members ranging from 14 years old to 90. Numbers fluctuate from year to year depending on magic's popularity at the time, and the Guild saw some of its lowest numbers during the early 90's when magic took a downward trend in the public's eye. Thankfully due to the popularity of Harry Potter, David Blaine, Derren Brown and a new brand of talented TV magicians, magic is very much high profile again.
Members at the moment come from all walks of life including - Radio Presenters, Teachers, Doctors, Chemists, Solicitors, Taxi Drivers and even Plumbers!
Its longest serving member, still very much involved with the Guild, is Donald Chambers.
The Guild has over the years, the distinction of recording a number of illustrious magicians amongst its members. These include, the Great Cingalee (Professional illusionist), Lewis Ganson (One of the magic's greatest teachers/writers of magic), Eric Hawksworth (Magic inventor), Ken De Courcy (Performer, writer, magic inventor, Editor), Will Dexter (Journalist and magic writer) and the illustrious Peter Warlock (Writer, performer, inventor publisher extraordinaire).
Who next? Only the next 65 years will tell.
The Guild is always welcoming new members into its secretive fold, and embraces anyone with a genuine interest in magic. Professional, amateur or the just an eager hobbyist, everyone is welcome and will greatly benefit from their membership.