On Gyngell's programme offered in 1827 he proves himself a great
showman, for he features Herr Schmidt's "Mechanical Automatons,
Phantasmagoria, a laughing sketch entitled Wholesale Blunders, his son
on the flying wire, during which he would throw a somersault through a
balloon of real fire, a broadsword dance by Miss Louise and Master
Gyngell, and Miss Louise's performance on the tight rope, clowned by
Master Lionel."
On a programme used in Hull, October 29th, 1827, a lottery was featured
as follows: "On which occasion the first hundred persons paying for the
gallery will be entitled by ticket to a chance of a Fat Goose, and the
same number in the pit to have the same chance for a fat turkey. To be
drawn for on the stage, in the same manner as the State Lottery."
According to Thomas Frost, Gyngell died in 1833 and was buried in the
Parish Church, Camberwell. His children, however, continued the work so
excellently planned by their father.
The programmes herewith reproduced I purchased from Henry Evanion, who
secured them directly from the last of the Gyngell family, as the
accompanying letter, now a part of my collection, will show:
DOVER, February 10th, 1867.
MR. EVANION:
DEAR SIR--Yours of the 5th inst. I received just as I was leaving
Folkestown, and it was forwarded from Guilford.
I am sorry I have not one of my old bills with me, neither do I
think any of my family could find one at home. I may have some
among my old conjuring things, and when I return to Guilford I will
look them over and send you what I can find. I was sorry I was not
at home when you were in Guilford, for I feel much pleasure in
meeting a responsible professional. I am not certain when I shall
return, but most likely not for six weeks. I will keep your
address; so should you change your residence, write to me about
that time.
I was looking over some old papers some time last summer, and found
a bill of my father's, nearly 60 years ago, when his great trick
was cutting off the cock's head and restoring it to life again. And
a great wonder it was considered and brought crowded rooms.
I was Master Gyngell, the wonderful performer on the slack wire;
and now in my 71st year I am lecturer, pyrotechnist, and high-rope
walker, for I did that last summer. My life has been a simple one
of ups and downs.
I am, dear sir, yours truly,
J. D. G. GYNGELL.
[Illustration: A Gyngell programme of 1823, advertising "A
Confectioner's Shop," whose attendant will serve automatically any sort
of confectionery demanded. From the Harry Houdini Collection.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account