The brick and mortar magic shop plays a unique role in the education of a magician. I was reminded of this yesterday when I popped into Phil and Evelyn Matlin’s store Perfect Magic. They found the secret items that I desired in a few minutes. We then chatted about Montreal’s magic history, the latest news in the art, and various magicians who have come through the Matlin shop for at least an hour. I learned that Sam Cramer’s was the first magic shop that Phil visited. I received the name and phone number of a local prop builder who I wouldn’t have found on my own and I met one of Perfect Magic’s youngest customers: Caiden.
This little magus is ten, but is already coming up with his own touches on the effects he buys at the shop. I asked him about what kind of magic he likes, why it speaks to him, and recommended an appropriate book or two. Phil had some great suggestions about Montreal libraries and other places to learn sleight-of-hand, showmanship, and various skills that help put a youngster on the path to becoming a great performer early on. Caiden asked for a trick, so I showed him some hat manipulation. His father, David, took this photo of us after our chat.
I look at it and see three generations of curious fellows in one magic shop, learning secrets that can’t be found online:
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I love the smirks on all three faces! (Evelyn Matlin)