To Magically Appear On Stamps
Four Nations To Issue ‘Postage Stamps’ Honoring David Copperfield, Harry Houdini and Prior Magic Legends In A Public Ceremony At New York’s Grand Central Station.
For the first time in the history of postage stamps, the art of magic and illusion will be recognized when four nations pay tribute to David Copperfield, Harry Houdini and past magical masters. On Thursday, October 19, David Copperfield, and three of magic’s most legendary artists will be honored in a postal series entitled ‘Discover The Magic of Stamps’. Copperfield will be on hand in New York’s Grand Central Terminal to unveil the historic series in a public ceremony, which also honors for the very first time, Houdini, Howard Thurston and Harry Kellar. A portion of the Legends of Magic stamp proceeds will benefit ‘Project Magic’, a program designed by Copperfield to give the gift of magic to people with various physical, social and developmental disabilities in hospitals around the world.
The public event will take place beginning at 11:00AM in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Station, which kicks off the 87th anniversary celebration of the opening of Grand Central.
Honoring the legendary magic men on legal tender will be the nations of Grenada, Nevis, Dominica and St. Vincent. Despite the immense worldwide appeal of magic, this is the very first time any nations have chosen to recognize this art form postally. Hence, David Copperfield becomes the very first living illusionist to be recognized on legal tender.
Copperfield, widely recognized as the world’s greatest conjurer, has appeared for more than two decades on Emmy Award Winning television specials, pulling off such feats as vanishing the Statue of Liberty, Walking through the Great Wall of China and Flying. Recently honored as a living legend by the Library of Congress he now owns the unique distinction of appearing on legal tender by four nations. Each of the four stamp sheets depicts Copperfield performing one of his remarkable illusions.
Harry Houdini (1874-1926), Harry Kellar (1849-1922) and Howard Thurston (1869-1936) are all being honored on sheets of four stamps by the nation of Grenada. Houdini was perhaps the most famous of all past magicians, having fascinated audiences with some of the most death defying performances and lock & key maneuvers ever attempted. Kellar was the first major American-born stage illusionist to reach international fame. For eight years he launched two world tours which included a levitation illusion. Thurston was the successor to Kellar and became the foremost magician of his day. Known as the ‘King of Cards, his show dazzled audiences for more than 27 years.
“I am truly honored to represent the world of illusion, along with my past heroes on postage stamps” said Copperfield. “For centuries, the greatest magicians have taken audiences on a journey filled with imagination and wonder. I am thankful to these four nations for documenting the history of magic in this remarkable way.”
This project was organized by the Inter-governmental Philatelic Corp (IGPC) based in New York City. IGPC is responsible for the planning, design, production and promotion of the postal programs for over 75 countries including Grenada, Nevis, Dominica and St. Vincent. Two of the Copperfield stamp sheets were painted by artist Fulvia Levi Bianchi. The design and layouts were created by Homer Liwag, Cathy Daly and Chris Kenner. The stamps of Houdini, Thurston and Kellar were designed by artist Ron Rundo.
—Release and photos supplied by Lonnie Ostrow, IGPC Media Relations.
