From Magic Student to Magic Teacher

Long before becoming a professional magician, James Pritchard discovered magic at Davenports magic shop, one of London’s most famous and historic centres of magic.

Founded in 1898 by Lewis Davenport, Davenports became a London institution and was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest family-run magic business. For generations, Davenports was an important part of London’s magic community, a meeting place for magicians and a place where aspiring performers could learn the craft.

James first visited Davenports as a child, attending its young magicians’ club and learning magic alongside other aspiring performers. It was there that his interest in magic developed into a serious passion. At 16, after winning a magic competition at the shop, he began receiving professional performance opportunities through the magicians who had seen him perform.

Years later, James returned to Davenports in a very different role: as one of the teachers at the Davenports Magic School.

Teaching the next generation of young magicians was particularly meaningful because of his own experience there. The school gave James an opportunity to pass on some of the knowledge and enthusiasm that had first inspired him as a child.

His classes covered a range of magic, including tricks with cards, coins, ropes and everyday objects — with an emphasis on creating moments that students could share with friends and family.

Watch the Film

A film about Davenports Magic School following James’s journey from discovering magic at the shop as a child to becoming one of its teachers.

“I knew how much magic has given me and I wanted to be able to give that to other people.”

A London Magic Institution

Davenports has been part of London’s magic community since 1898 and is recognised as the world’s oldest family-run magic business. The business has been passed down through the Davenport family for generations, with Davenports becoming a home for both aspiring and professional magicians.

For James, Davenports represents an important part of his own journey – from discovering the impossible as a child to performing professionally and eventually teaching others the same craft.