Escapology Collection

Siberian death defier and Aviator baffling John Clempert
Undated coloured poster for Siberian death defier and Aviator baffling John Clempert featuring illustrations of his tricks and performances. HPF/5B/18

Cool Customers
Cool customers at a street cafe in trendy St. Tropez, France, totally ignoring an uncool street ecapologist! Date: late 1960s

Houdini & Daily MIrror Challenge - handcuffs 1904
The handcuffs with which the Daily Mirror challenged Harry Houdini at the London Hippodrome in March 1904. The cuff was allegedly made by a Birmingham blacksmith, Nathaniel Hart

John Nevil Maskelyne performs a spirit cabinet illusion, c1910. Creator: Unknown
John Nevil Maskelyne performs a spirit cabinet illusion, c1910. How the tricks are performed - " A coach-horn or megaphone is useful for picking things up

Houdini escaping from a strait-jacket while suspended from a crane in New York City
PNP310495 Houdini escaping from a strait-jacket while suspended from a crane in New York City (b/w photo) by American Photographer

Straitjacket owned by Harry Houdini, c. 1915 (khaki canvas, leather & metal rivets)
3063501 Straitjacket owned by Harry Houdini, c.1915 (khaki canvas, leather & metal rivets) by Swanfeldt Tent & Awning Co. (fl.1915); Private Collection; (add.info.: Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz)

Houdini & Daily MIrror Challenge
Houdinis great lock-picking feat at the London Hippodrome. Harry Houdini shown on stage at the London Hippodrome, having specially made cuffs locked to his wrists in the presence of representatives

Houdinis act at the London Hippodrome 1904
Impression of Houdini performing his famous escapology act at the London Hippodrome in 1904 where he was manacled with handcuffs allegedly made by a locksmith over several years

Harry Houdini (b / w photo)
PNP310496 Harry Houdini (b/w photo) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Harry Houdini (1874-1926) Hungarian American magician

Poster advertising a new act by Houdini (colour litho)
PNP310293 Poster advertising a new act by Houdini (colour litho) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Harry Houdini (1874-1926) Hungarian American magician

Poster advertising a new act by Houdini (colour litho)
PNP310291 Poster advertising a new act by Houdini (colour litho) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Harry Houdini (1874-1926) Hungarian American magician

Poster advertising a performance by Houdini at the Alhambra, London (print)
PNP311599 Poster advertising a performance by Houdini at the Alhambra, London (print) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Pamphlet exposing the tricks used by the Boston medium Margery, c. 1924 (print)
PNP312998 Pamphlet exposing the tricks used by the Boston medium Margery, c.1924 (print) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Poster advertising a performance by Houdini, 1906 (colour litho)
PNP312999 Poster advertising a performance by Houdini, 1906 (colour litho) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Harry Houdini (1874-1926) Hungarian American magician

Reproduction of a poster of 1907 showing Houdini prior to an escape from a German prison
PNP310290 Reproduction of a poster of 1907 showing Houdini prior to an escape from a German prison, 1975 (colour litho) by German School

Poster advertising a performance by Houdini at the American Theatre, May 1906 (print)
PNP310499 Poster advertising a performance by Houdini at the American Theatre, May 1906 (print) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Harry Houdini c. 1898 (litho)
1194746 Harry Houdini c. 1898 (litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Return of the greatest of all magicians, the Houdinis, Harry)

Straitjacket owned by Harry Houdini, c. 1915 (khaki canvas, leather & metal rivets)
3063503 Straitjacket owned by Harry Houdini, c.1915 (khaki canvas, leather & metal rivets) by Swanfeldt Tent & Awning Co. (fl.1915); Private Collection; (add.info.: Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz)

Straitjacket owned by Harry Houdini, c. 1915 (khaki canvas, leather & metal rivets)
3063502 Straitjacket owned by Harry Houdini, c.1915 (khaki canvas, leather & metal rivets) by Swanfeldt Tent & Awning Co. (fl.1915); Private Collection; (add.info.: Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz)

David De Val, Escapologist, 1st September 1983

Taken at an ordinary seance by Leon Isaacs. Note the similarity in appearance of the ectoplasm to ordinary cheesecloth. The rope despite its stout appearance presented no difficulties to an

Escapologist entertaining theatre-goers in the pit queue, London, 1926-1927. Illustration from Wonderful London, edited by Arthur St John Adcock, Volume I, published by Amalgamated Press, (London)

Colour lithograph poster format advertising Harry Houdini, magician, illusionist and stunt performer

Harry Houdini, Tied Up
Harry Houdini the Austrian-Hungarian escapologist (1874 to 1926) being tied up by two members of his audience. Date: circa 1910

Houdini Preparing for Bridge Jump
The prolific Austrian-Hungarian escape artist Harry Houdini preparing for one of his many daring feats of escapology, this time a highly publicised Bridge Jump whilst in metal chains. Date: circa 1910

Petticoat Lane escapologist
An escapologist is prepared by his assistant for another performance, entertaining the crowds at Petticoat Lane market, London, on a Sunday morning Date: 1945

Escapologist - Charing Cross Road, London
A contortionist attempts to escape from a bound sack - Charing Cross Road, London. He is drawing quite a crowd as he attempts this feat

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"Escapology: The Art of Defying Death and Baffling Minds" Step into the world of escapology, where death-defying stunts and mind-boggling feats leave audiences in awe. From the Siberian death defier to the aviator baffling John Clempert, these masters of escape have captivated generations. At the forefront of this captivating art form was none other than Harry Houdini himself. Known as the greatest escape artist of all time, Houdini's name became synonymous with impossible acts. Who could forget his legendary handcuff challenge against the Daily Mirror in 1904? Time and again, he proved that no restraint could hold him back. Tied up or suspended from a crane in New York City, Houdini always found a way to break free. His straitjacket escapes were particularly mesmerizing – a khaki canvas masterpiece adorned with leather straps and metal rivets that symbolized his indomitable spirit. The London Hippodrome witnessed some of Houdini's most daring performances in 1904. Audiences held their breath as he pushed boundaries like never before, leaving them spellbound by his audacity and skill. Posters advertising Houdini's shows became collector's items themselves – vivid prints capturing the anticipation and excitement surrounding each performance. Whether it was an iconic black-and-white photograph or a vibrant color lithograph showcasing his new act, these posters brought people flocking to witness history being made. But escapology is not just about one man; it is an art passed down through generations. Today's modern-day escape artists continue to push limits inspired by those who came before them. They pay homage to Houdini's legacy while adding their own unique twists to keep audiences on edge. Intriguing, dangerous yet undeniably thrilling – escapology remains an enigma that captures our imagination even today.