A PIECE of social history returned to its Sheffield roots – when a poster advertising a concert by one of the city's most celebrated performers was hung on the wall in the venue where it took place 100 years ago.
The posters promoting the event by conjuror Professor De Lyle were presented by his two grandsons to the manager of The Cutler pub, Cambridge Street – which in 1908 was the Bethel Chapel Sunday School.
David and Bob Monks wanted to commemorate the centenary of the concert there with a framed memento, which would also celebrate the work of their grandfather, whose real name was George Fox.
Tricks performed by the Professor – who got his name from a tin of golden syrup and added the 'de' for a "touch of class" according to David – included pulling pennies from behind people's ears.
David said: "Conjuror Professor De Lyle brought happiness to thousands of local people, as well as those in high society such as the Duchess of Devonshire's children at Chatsworth House.
"His house at 184 Ecclesall Road was described as a veritable wonderland of enchantment. Me and my brother Bob wanted to commemorate the centenary by presenting the present occupants with a framed memento of that concert, and of Prof De Lyle."
He was a man of many talents and also worked as a freelance photographer, at the same time as encouraging his daughter Wynne De Lyle into the world of showbusiness.
She was later billed as "Britain's Premier Lady Ventriloquist".
The Monks brothers have donated other memorabilia about their grandfather to the Traditional Heritage Museum, in Ecclesall Road, a department of the University of Sheffield devoted to the study of all aspects of folklore throughout the country.
They are also keen for anyone who has memories of their grandfather or Aunty Wynne to get in touch and share their memories, as well as anyone who can tell them more about any of the other performers on the bill at the 1908 November concert.
Contact David, who lives in Coventry, on 0247 6598484.
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