Among the many Houdini-related items in John's world class collection is his Houdini Automaton, who provides guests with a signature (Joe and I each got one). John also has the original Psycho, gifted to Houdini by Harry Kellar. John's famous Water Torture Cell reproduction is now a display case for his Houdini collectibles (including a scrapbook Houdini made of items related to his mother). Also on display is an original flower production table and a "Houdini for President" lithograph. And Q the Automaton was in the house (no pic, but you can see him here.)
When we were leaving, John uncovered his working Water Torture Cell. This was originally made for the 1982 film The Escape Artist. It has since appeared in numerous television projects, including Young Harry Houdini. When the weather warms up, John offered to fill it and put me inside. Yes, please!
You can read about my first visit to John's shop, which included a nice Water Torture Cell surprise, HERE.
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I think I would find Mr. Gaughan's display fascinating and would want to forget about time and its insistencies and just look at this, that, and the other Houdini-thing. BUT the automatons, no, I'd stay clear of them. Those things kind of freak me out. Where exactly is this workshop?
ReplyDeleteJohn has some wonderful automata. He even has a recreation of the famous Turk. His workshop is in the greater LA area. I've purposely omitted the precise location. Keeping the secrets secret. ;)
DeleteThe Turk? Is that the one that was the subject of an essay by E. A. Poe?
ReplyDeleteYep, that's the one.
DeleteI believe his turk was shown on the wonderful magic documentary "The story of magic". The one hosted by Ricky Jay, not the one that came after with, oddly enough, the same name.
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