Born 4 Boston Terrace, Holloway, as David Wighton. His stage name was taken from the title of a painting ‘David devant Goliath’ (David before Goliath), and was first used, aged 17. Married his, no doubt beautiful, assistant in about 1888. Had a long and successful partnership with Maskelyne who had been one of his early inspirations. 1905 – 1915 they performed at St George’s Hall, next door to the Queen’s Hall. One of the first to recognise the potential of the Lumières’ 1896 demonstration in London of moving pictures. First president of the Magic Circle in 1905. Appeared in the first royal command variety performance in 1912. Died at the Royal Hospital for Incurables, Putney, from a progressive palsy which had caused him to retire from public performing in 1919.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
David Devant
Commemorated ati
David Devant
David Devant, 1868 - 1941, magician, lived here in flat no. 1. English Heritage
Other Subjects
Leslie Howard
Actor and film director. Born Leslie Howard Steiner at 31 Westbourne Road, Forest Hill. He began his career as a stage actor in Britain and the USA. In films, he appeared in 'Berkeley Square', 'The...
E. C. H. Rowland
Entertainer and cinema manager. Born Edward Cyril Hawken Rowland in Plymouth. He appeared as a music hall comedian in London before joining the army. During World War I, he served in France with th...
Willy Clarkson
Costumier and wigmaker. He took over his father's business in 1878, and became very successful, including providing costumes and wigs for productions by Queen Victoria's family. It was claimed that...
Shakespeare Reading Society
Active in 1909 with Beerbohm Tree as President. 2018: Via Facebook Roger W. Haworth wrote to say that this organisation is active, with Judi Dench as President. We are pleased to hear that and sor...
George Grossmith, Jnr
Actor-manager and playwright. His father of the same name was also in show business. Often partnered Edmund Payne on stage (on Grossmith's right knee in this photo).
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