David Devant
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David Devant (1868–1941) was a British magician, shadowgraphist and film exhibitor. His name is sometimes incorrectly spelt with a trailing 'e', but his real name was David Wighton.
He was a member of the famous Maskelyne & Cook company and performed regularly at the Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly, London. In 1905 he became a partner with John Nevil Maskelyne. He was succeeded by Oswald Williams.
Devant introduced the theatrograph into the show, acquiring one of the first projectors ever made out of his own pocket. The theatrograph was invented by Robert Paul.
David Devant was the author of several manuals on conjuring, including Our Magic: The Art in Magic, the Theory of Magic, the Practice of Magic with Nevil Maskelyne.
Devant lived in Hampstead, London, where a blue plaque was affixed to the house in 2003.
The indie band David Devant & His Spirit Wife are named after him.
