FOR this column, I have been inspired by a trip to the cinema.
Mr Lavender and I went on a sojourn to the delightful Louth Playhouse. I can't let it pass without mentioning how great
it is to see an independent picture house thrive ... there was even an intermission!
But my reason for mentioning it is the film we saw – The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.
Without giving too much away, it's about two Vegas magicians (think Siegfried and Roy, and you're there).
I am a huge fan of all things magic. Give me Penn and Teller and I am a happy lady, so it's unsurprising that I have incorporated elements of it in my home.
Magic is all about theatre and imagination, so an easy way of bringing it into your house is vintage theatre posters.
They're so bright and beautifully illustrated that they become a talking point for that alone, regardless of their subject.
Reproductions are widely available ... a quick search on the internet will deliver you a multitude of choice.
If you're lucky to get an original, hold onto it for dear life – they are so rare due to their fragile nature.
I have a Houdini, a Kellar and Carter The Great framed in the spare room – the perfect splash of colour against plain walls.
Hearts, aces, spades and clubs are, of course, staple symbols of the magician's trade.
I picked up a set of six shot glasses, made in Portugal, embossed with these designs around the bottom for £10 from the Classified pages within this very newspaper.
I've no idea of their worth or history, in fact, I'm not even sure they are of any age, but they look good and are practical – a double tick in my lifestyle book.
Going back to the rarity of items, Houdini conjured a magic result at an auction in Sydney last month, and the back story is rather incredible.
Auctioneer Luke Jones nearly fell over when he looked at the contents of a trunk in a woman's garage. She thought it was of no value and was considering throwing it out.
Inside was a collection of magic memorabilia – including personal letters signed by Houdini – and it made more than $160,000 in auction, attracting bids from the US, England and Asia, as well as Australia.
A pair of handcuffs used by Houdini sold for $5,500.
It just goes to show, you never know what you have – and if you do, guard it with your life; it could be your retirement fund!
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