Prop, Magician's

Object number2010.69.8

Date1940-1994

Mediumwood; metal

Credit LineGift of Barry Mitnick

DescriptionTwo-fold wooden screen. Front painted in yellow with image of Asian man painted green, accented with tan coloring in center and red coloring around entire image. Two hinges near top and bottom, connecting two boards.Dimensions27.5 x 24.125 x 27.5 in. (69.9 x 61.3 x 69.9 cm)
Historical NotesScreen, part of a collection of performance pieces belonging to Aspinwall-based magician Harry Albacker (born April 1925, died March 1994). Harry toured the United States performing magic shows from the 1940s until his death. He was best known as a children's magician who specialized in performing with animals and for his signature turban and harem pants. He began performing in vaudeville houses in the Pittsburgh-area while still in high school, but it was not until after his service in WWII that he switched to children's shows. Because he performed for so long many people who enjoyed him as a child were able to hire him for their own children.

Previous owner Harry Albacker (1925 - 1994)

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