Hello, my name is John. After a very successful career as a clinical scientist working in two of London’s top teaching hospitals, I now have an opportunity to do something that I’ve always wanted to do – run my own business. Over the years I’ve had a passion for collecting interesting things starting with die cast model cars, stamps and then moving onto old postcards, vintage cameras and more recently UK street directories from the 19th and early 20th centuries, the forerunners of today’s Yellow Pages.

But since early childhood, magic has been an enduring passion. I remember my grandfather buying an old book from a local second hand bookshop. It was probably published in the 1920s or 30s, perhaps even earlier. It was copiously illustrated with black and white line drawings and what looked like lino prints or engravings. The book's title is now a forgotten memory but its contents were along the lines of explaining the secrets behind popular illusions of the time, including some performed by Houdini. It also explained how the reader could construct their own apparatus and provided instructions on how he or she could perform the illusions themselves. How I wish I had kept that book.

And then there was Uncle Ted. He was an accomplished amateur magician, who claimed to be a Member of the Magic Circle. I have no idea if this was true or not, but I do remember him in full evening dress, complete with bow tie, performing an evening of magic at our family get-togethers on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas Day. At the time, I did not have a clue how toy rabbits appeared from a top hat; or how a walking cane miraculously disappeared in a hail of silk handkerchiefs; or under which of three small metal cups a ball was hidden, let alone how he always seemed to know what cards I held in my hand. To me, it was just magic.

As a collector, I’ve always enjoyed selling duplicate or surplus items. And now I’m doing it for real by setting up a small business to indulge my interests of selling on the one hand with a passion for all things magic on the other.

Having tried out the market, I now run a fully fledged, registered, bona fide family business, not ‘John & Sons’ but ‘John & Daughters’ although the actual business name is ‘John’s Magic Shop’. The aim is to provide a first class, efficient, personal service to all our customers and by example to expand the market for good quality magic products.

I know from many years experience of dealing with men and women from all walks of life, that people want a fair deal and to be treated with respect. We aim to do just that. When a customer places an order they expect three things; good communications, top quality products and speedy delivery. So, I am always available through email, (johnme10@aol.com), items are covered by our seven day returns policy and dispatch is within 1 – 3 working days, often the next day.

The UK and international markets offer a wide choice of online shopping experiences. Shop with us for a personal service in which you can have confidence and trust.

And do let us know what you would like to see stocked in our store.

Thank you for dropping by.