Blue plaque for David Devant, magician who brought film to Britain
Belsize Park honours the founding president of The Magic Circle at his former home in Ornan Court
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Residents walking past Ornan Court in Belsize Park will now see a blue plaque marking the former home of David Devant, the magician credited with bringing moving pictures to British audiences. The plaque was installed this month to honour Devant, who lived in the flat during the height of his career.
Devant, born David Edmonston Wighton in 1868, was a central figure in the development of stage magic and early cinema. He performed regularly at London’s Egyptian Hall, where he introduced the first public film screening in the UK on 19 March 1896. The event predated the commercial screenings at Olympia by two days.
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A pioneer of magic and film
Devant’s career spanned both magic and cinema. He acquired a Theatrograph projector from film pioneer Robert Paul and used it to screen films at the Egyptian Hall. He later incorporated the projector into his touring magic shows and offered private screenings in homes for a fee of 25 guineas.
His innovations extended to stage magic. Devant created illusions such as the Mascot Moth, where an assistant appeared to vanish into a candle flame, and the Magic Kettle, which produced any alcoholic drink requested by the audience. His catchphrase, "all done by kindness," reflected his polished stage persona.
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In 1905, Devant became a partner in the Maskelyne & Cook company, which performed at the Egyptian Hall. He also co-wrote the book *Our Magic* and produced instructional manuals on conjuring. His contributions to magic were recognised when he was invited to perform at the first Royal Command Performance in 1912.
The Magic Circle and legacy
Devant was the founding president of The Magic Circle, a society established to preserve the secrets of stage magic. The organisation, which remains active today, awards an annual prize in his name and displays a bronze sculpture of one of his tricks at its Euston headquarters.
His health declined during the First World War, and he retired in 1920 due to a condition he described as "paralysis agitans." Devant died in 1941 and is buried in Highgate Cemetery. His wife, Annie Maria Gosling, performed under the stage name Marion Melvill and assisted him in his illusions. Their daughter, Vida, occasionally joined them on stage.
The blue plaque at Ornan Court ensures that Devant’s contributions to entertainment are remembered in the neighbourhood where he lived. The Magic Circle continues to honour his legacy through its annual prize and museum exhibits.
Questions this report answers
+Who was David Devant?
David Devant was a magician and pioneer of early cinema, known as 'Britain’s greatest magician'. He introduced the first public film screening in the UK in 1896 and was the founding president of The Magic Circle, a society for stage magicians.
+Where is the blue plaque for David Devant located?
The blue plaque is installed at Ornan Court in Belsize Park, Camden, where Devant lived during his career. It marks his former home and honours his contributions to magic and cinema.
+What was Devant’s role in early cinema?
Devant introduced the first public film screening in the UK at London’s Egyptian Hall on 19 March 1896. He used a Theatrograph projector acquired from film pioneer Robert Paul and later incorporated films into his magic shows.
+How is David Devant remembered today?
The Magic Circle awards an annual prize in his name and displays a bronze sculpture of one of his tricks at its Euston headquarters. His legacy is also preserved through books, manuals, and the blue plaque at his former home in Belsize Park.
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