Walking in the Footsteps of David Devant: The Magic Lives On

London has long been a city of secrets and marvels, but few magicians shaped its magical history quite like David Devant (1868–1941). Widely regarded as the first true master of close-up magic in the capital, Devant set the standard for how magicians would perform in parlours, theatres, and at private celebrations for decades to come. His influence still ripples through the work of today’s performers, particularly those who, like him, blend charm, skill, and storytelling into unforgettable experiences.

Born in Holloway, Devant began performing as a teenager and adopted his evocative stage name, a nod to “David devant Goliath.” His style was witty, refined, and deeply engaging. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he believed magic was not about fooling the audience but about sharing wonder. In this way, he pioneered the style we now recognise as the hallmark of the modern close-up magician in London.

Devant rose to fame at the Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly, the legendary “Home of Mystery,” where he performed alongside John Nevil Maskelyne. Yet his magic was not confined to grand theatres. He excelled in more intimate settings too, drawing rooms, private dinners, and even weddings. Accounts from the era recall Devant dazzling guests at wedding celebrations, reminding all present that love, like magic, thrives on surprise. This connection between romance and conjuring remains at the heart of what makes a wedding magician in London such a unique addition to a couple’s special day.

In 1905, Devant became the first President of The Magic Circle, cementing his role as both performer and leader. He championed dignity, secrecy, and kindness within the art. His famous motto, “All done by kindness,” captured not only his personality but his philosophy: magic should leave audiences uplifted, not deceived. His influence shaped generations of magicians who followed, embedding a culture of excellence in the Circle that continues to this day.

Though illness later curtailed his stage career, Devant’s writings and teachings ensured his voice carried on. When he passed away in 1941, London lost more than a performer, it lost a pioneer whose flame lit the path for all who followed.

Today, that flame still burns. Gary Fairplay, a close-up magician in London and proud member of The Magic Circle, walks in the footsteps of David Devant. Whether astonishing guests at weddings, delighting audiences at parties, or performing miracles inches from the eyes of Londoners, Gary carries forward the very essence Devant embodied. The tricks may evolve, but the heart of the performance, charm, connection, and shared wonder, remains the same.

In every gasp of amazement and ripple of laughter, Gary ensures that Devant’s legacy lives on. More than a magician, he is part of a tradition that stretches from the Egyptian Hall to today’s wedding celebrations, proof that true magic never fades.