History of Hull Magicians’ Circle
Established 1933 - One of the UK’s longest running societies
Hull Magicians' Circle Dinner 1950
Hull Magicians’ Circle is one of the longest-established magic clubs in the United Kingdom, with its roots in Hull, East Yorkshire, dating back to 1933. For over ninety years, the society has brought together magicians of all abilities to share ideas, perform magic, and develop the art of conjuring.
From its earliest meetings to today’s programme of magic lectures, competitions and club nights, Hull Magicians’ Circle has remained a welcoming community for anyone interested in magic.
The Founding of Hull Magicians’ Circle
Hull Magicians’ Circle was founded on 5 December 1933, when a group of local conjurers met with the aim of forming a society where magicians in Hull and East Yorkshire could share their interest in magic, exchange ideas and develop their skills.
The formation of the Circle followed a response to an invitation placed in the local press, which brought together several enthusiastic magicians from the area. Among those present at the early meetings were Fred Sowerby (Bert Dexter), who became the Circle’s first President, Harold Cross, who served as Treasurer, and Walter Clark as Secretary. Other early members included Bert Cawby and John Ramsdale, all of whom helped establish the foundations of the society.
Membership to the newly formed Circle required a small entrance fee and annual subscription, and the early meetings quickly developed into a place where members could demonstrate tricks, exchange magical ideas and discuss the art of conjuring. These gatherings laid the groundwork for the friendly and collaborative spirit that continues within Hull Magicians’ Circle today.
In January 1934, the Circle held a special meeting at the York Hotel in honour of the well-known magician Jasper Maskelyne, who graciously agreed to become President of the Circle. His support gave the young society an important connection to the wider world of magic.
The club continued to grow during its first year. In May 1934, the Circle established its own library, with Louis Nikola’s Magical Masterpieces becoming the first book placed into circulation for members. This reflected the club’s early commitment not only to performing magic, but also to studying its techniques and history.
Later that year, the Circle held some of its first public performances, including an evening of magic at Powolny’s Hall on Spring Bank, where members presented their magic to an audience of friends and supporters.
These early activities helped shape Hull Magicians’ Circle into an active and respected magic society. Although the club began as a small gathering of local magicians, the enthusiasm and dedication of its founding members ensured that the Circle would continue to grow and develop over the decades that followed.
Influential Members and Magicians
Throughout its history, Hull Magicians’ Circle has been associated with several respected figures within the world of magic. One of the most notable was Jasper Maskelyne, who served as Honorary President of the society from 1934 until he died in 1973. During this time, he presented the Silver Wand for Originality, a trophy still competed for at the Hull Magicians’ Circle Annual Dinner.
The club has also been supported by several distinguished Honorary Vice-Presidents, including Chris Charlton, Les Levante, Deveen, De Vega, Sam Sharpe and Bayard Grimshaw. Over the years, other well-known magicians such as Peter Casson and Faust (Granville Taylor) have also been members of the Circle.
Although Hull Magicians’ Circle remained a relatively small society during its first fifty years, membership has grown significantly in recent decades and now numbers around 80 members. This growth has been partly supported by the development of young magicians in the region through Young Magicians of Humberside, an organisation for performers aged 10 to 16, led by Richard Morrell, Jon Marshall, Malcolm Bromwich and Tom Wilkinson.
The success of this initiative has helped nurture new talent within the magic community. In 2001, one of its members, James Long, became a finalist in The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Contest, held in London at The Centre for the Magic Arts.
Competitions and Club Traditions
Competitions have always played an important role at Hull Magicians’ Circle, encouraging members to perform, develop new routines and share their creativity with fellow magicians.
Some of the club’s well-known competitions include:
Simpson Shield
A year-long themed magic competition made up of six heats during club meetings.
Connolly Shield
The club’s stage magic competition, where performers present their acts before an audience.
Shirley Watts Trophy
A close-up magic competition highlighting sleight-of-hand and intimate performances.
Maskelyne Wand
Awarded at the Pocket Trick Drive, where members perform a trick that can fit in their pocket.
These competitions are an important part of the club’s culture and help keep the tradition of magic alive in Hull and the surrounding area.
Hull Magicians’ Circle Today
Today, Hull Magicians’ Circle continues the tradition of bringing magicians together in Hull, East Yorkshire, providing a welcoming environment where members can learn, perform and develop their magical skills.
The club meets regularly throughout the year and attracts magicians from Hull, Beverley, Cottingham, Anlaby and the wider East Riding of Yorkshire. Members range from enthusiastic beginners to experienced performers, all sharing a passion for the art of magic.
Our meetings feature a wide variety of activities designed to support and inspire magicians, including:
Magic lectures from visiting professional magicians
Club competitions such as the Simpson Shield and Connolly Shield
Close-up magic evenings and performance nights
Workshops and discussions where members share techniques and ideas
Social events and the Annual Dinner are among the highlights of the club calendar
These activities help maintain the club’s long tradition of encouraging creativity, originality and performance.
Hull Magicians’ Circle is proud to continue a magical heritage that has existed in the city for more than ninety years, while still welcoming new members who are interested in learning more about the art of magic.
Whether you are an experienced magician, a hobbyist, or simply curious about magic, Hull Magicians’ Circle welcomes visitors and new members to join us and become part of the club’s ongoing story.
Interested in Magic?
Discover the world of magic with Hull Magicians’ Circle in Hull, East Yorkshire.
Hull Magicians’ Circle meets regularly in Hull and welcomes magicians from across East Yorkshire, including Beverley, Cottingham and Anlaby.
Hull Magicians’ Circle welcomes visitors and new members.