Attavar -- May 31, 2018

Magic, Ellis Stanyon, Ed.

Ernest Thorn was born in Poland. Attavar (not Avatar) was one of his illusions. From Magic, a magazine published by British magician Ellis Stanyan.  

ERNEST THORN, Illusionist.

The accompanying photograph represents Mr. Thorn's latest illusion "Attavar," which he is now presenting on the continent with marked success, at the time of writing, at the Rembrandt Theatre, Amsterdam. "Attavar" is the invention of Mr. Thorn, who, for that matter, invents most of the illusions he presents. The effect of this his latest production is as follows: A hammock is suspended between two tables placed one on top of the other and a lady goes into the hammock. In one second the top table, hammock and lady all disappear, in full light, and without the aid of traps, mirrors, curtains or cabinets. I have not seen the illusion but I understand that it is more astonishing when seen than the most exaggerated description on paper can make it appear, which is in striking contrast to the average illusion— therefore it should prove an attraction indeed.

The subject of our sketch recently appeared at our Empire with a very novel and attractive programme. The stage was beautifully set with a number of small but elegant tables, glass tops on N. P. Stands; also the apparatus for no less than four large stage illusions— The Cage on Pedestal, Double Box Change, Aga and Double Hexagonal Cabinets. He is not so well known in this country as in most other parts of the world, and for the simple reason that up till recently he has been for some years permanently located in Lemberg (Austria), as director of the Colosseum. Prior to that he gave consecutive performances in Vienna, an almost unparalleled achievement for a conjurer. And still earlier he made a ten years' extended tour of the world visiting Australia, San Francisco, California, Oregon, British Columbia, Canada and leaving New York City about 1883 from which time he has been almost constantly on the continent introducing the latest novelties in illusions, and large and small stage effects. Thorn is not only a clever performer, he is a gifted linguist, speaking eight languages fluently, which enables him, so readily, to win the plaudits of an audience in any part of the world. He was well known and appreciated in America some years ago under the style of Chevalier Ernest de Thorn. He has only recently commenced to tour the world again and we offer him our best wishes for a tremendous success.