Magick Lounge: Sadness as famed Sheffield magic shop, loved by Derren Brown and Dynamo, to shut after 48 years
For nearly 50 years, Russell Hall’s famed Sheffield magic shop has been a favourite among the big names of showbiz.
And as a focal point for Sheffield’s magic circle, it has become legendary among conjuring enthusiasts across the city.
But now Russell has announced he is closing his shop on Broad Street, near Park Hill, for the last time - 48 years after he opened his first shop in the city. He says it will shut for the last time in the new year.
At the age of 82, Russell feels it is time to move on and concentrate on writing books. A fall on the premises helped him make up his mind.
He opened his first shop late in 1977 on Howard Street, before moving into the current Broad Street shop in the mid 80s.
During that time, he has seen a string of star name visitors and customers, including Derren Brown, Dynamo, Paul Daniels, Tommy Cooper and Ken Dodd.
Russell, originally from Derby, had been working for Henry Boot Construction in Dronfield before he opened his shop, doing magic as a hobby, something he had been doing since he was a student in London.
He said: “I started selling one or two tricks , and I thought it would be nice to open a shop. So I opened a shop and had a manager running it for me in Sheffield on Howard Street, and that ran successfully.
“Then I thought, actually, it was getting to the point that I could run that full time and still hopefully make a basic living and not have to do any other kind of work.
“My life has been devoted entirely to magic since then.
“I’ll miss the magicians coming in and talking and discussing and and coming up with ideas for tricks, helping develop acts and routines for people. I've made many friends in the magic community and hopefully they will still pop in and see me when I move.
“It’s been interesting working in the shop, but it’s time to move on.”
“Pretty well any well known TV magician or stage musician since we’ve been open have been in here.
“Derren Brown is also a book collector and he comes in and adds items to his collection from our range of books. Dynamo came here from a very young age and worked on his card handling with one of our regulars who is one of the best card men in Europe, Roger Curzon. And we’ve supplied tricks to people like Tommy Cooper and Paul Daniels. We’ve seen most of the greats.
The shop will remain as an online enterprise.
“I’m only 82 - I’m not going to retire just yet,” said Russell. “That will keep me going during my semi-retirement.”
He also worked as a performer until about five years ago, having done shows all over the country, including a show at the old Fiesta nightclub in Sheffield, which he said was the last show they ever did at the venue. He jokingly points out it did not close down because of him!
The building has also been the home of Sheffield’s Circle of Magicians, and Russell has also been a consultant on film and music videos
It has also hosted lectures, workshops and get togethers, and the shop has been known for antique collectors' item books and props, as well as a reputable publisher of magic books that have been sold across the world.
Russell’s only break from running the shop came when he and a friend drove Land Rovers to deliver medicines to hospitals in Zimbabwe, for a charity. His wife ran the shop during that period.
Magick Words, Russell’s publishing company, will also continue to operate, and he says he still has plenty of books to do.
He said: “We still have many out-of-print, rare and important books to sell through our online store. I hope to add to that list with a few of my own.”
Before the shop finally closes next year, Magick will be hosting a series of open days for magicians and collectors to come and browse the shelves and rooms for a magical piece of history.
For more information on these call 0114 276 0482, or visit www.magick2go.com.