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Valentine Augustus Walker
- See also: Henry Barton Turner, The Wizard of the Army.
Valentine Augustus Walker (February 15, 1890 - March 18, 1969) born in England, was an English magician, escape artist and illusion designer. He served in the navy and billed himself as the "Wizard of the Navy".
| Valentine Augustus Walker | |
 | |
| Born | February 15 1890 England |
|---|---|
| Died | March 18, 1969 (age 79) |
Also known as "Val Enson", Walker is credited as the designer of the Radium Girl[1] illusion and John Bull Straitjacket[2], which was created as a challenge to Houdini in 1926.
His escapology started while serving in the Royal Navy[3] by escaping from a Standard Issue Navy Tool Chest[4] on board HMS Invincible.
He repeated this escape on the 20th August 1920 from the deck of the 'Northampton' (The Sea Scouts Training Ship) in front of General Sir R. Baden-Powell and Mr Nevil Maskelyne.[5]
He Returned to the stage in 1938 with The Aquamarine Girl[6] but unfortunately World War II closed most Theatres shortly after and Walker never performed again.
References
- ↑ http://www.flickr.com/photos/109352745@N04/sets/72157637913599165/
- ↑ http://www.houdini-connections.co.uk/4-info/Topics/sj-John%20Bull.htm
- ↑ http://www.flickr.com/photos/109352745@N04/11117793176/
- ↑ http://www.flickr.com/photos/109352745@N04/10994826495/
- ↑ http://www.flickr.com/photos/109352745@N04/sets/72157637891164016/
- ↑ http://www.flickr.com/photos/109352745@N04/sets/72157637886058703/