Smoke & Mirrors: The Psychology of Magic

There seems to be something inherent in our human nature that makes us desire to be mystified and baffled. There is also a lot about human psychology that makes us easy to deceive. It is a combination of these factors that has ensured the popular appeal for magic has endured over the centuries.

‘Smoke & Mirrors’ is a fascinating and engaging exhibition which explores different aspects from the world of illusions. From the fraudulent mediums of the Victorian era, that used conjuring tricks to obtain their otherworldly effects, through to the showbiz magicians of the contemporary age, there is an array of tales to be told.

The exhibition is broken down into three main spaces;- The Medium, Misdirection and Mentalism (mind reading and mind control) and each space is filled with an eclectic range of materials. There is an abundance of objects to be perused in this show. You can marvel at the phantoms that grace the selection of spirit photographs, see iconic magic posters, and even observe a large contraption used for that favourite trick of the 20th century – ‘sawing a woman in half’.

In addition to the artifacts on display, there are also videos that illustrate why, and how, we are so easily fooled, and (if you pick your visiting time well) you can see lectures/magic demonstrations too.

The exhibition itself seems to be utilising an illusion of its own. When you first walk into the gallery space, the layout doesn’t seem that large. However there is so much to see, explore, watch and marvel at - that you fall into a time vortex and emerge many hours later.

It’s a wonderful show and if you are amazed by magic (who isn’t?) and/or psychology then this is definitely an exhibition that you will want to see before it does its own vanishing act and closes in September.

The Wellcome Collection, 11th April – 15th September