The magic community recently suffered a significant blow with the devastating fire at Vanishing Inc.’s warehouse. As many of you know, Vanishing Inc. is not just a magic shop; it’s a cornerstone of our community, providing magicians worldwide with the tools and resources they need to create wonder and astonishment. The fire resulted in the total loss of everything stored in the warehouse, including some irreplaceable artifacts from the history of magic. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our shared heritage.

First and foremost, our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies go out to Vanishing Inc. and everyone affected by this disaster. We hope for a swift recovery and are confident that Vanishing Inc. will rise from the ashes, stronger and more resilient. The magic community is nothing if not supportive, and we stand ready to assist in any way we can during this difficult time.

This incident also brings to light a pressing issue within our community: the preservation of magical artifacts and history. Currently, many of these precious items are held by private collectors or companies. While this practice has its merits, it also exposes our heritage to significant risks, such as fires, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events. Furthermore, recent events, such as the disturbing investigative piece published by The Guardian about David Copperfield, underscore the potential problems associated with private ownership of such important cultural artifacts.

David Copperfield, a legendary name in magic, privately owns an extensive collection of historical artifacts. However, the allegations against him raise questions about the propriety and ethics of entrusting our shared history to individuals, regardless of their fame or contributions to the field. It’s clear that there is a real need for one or more museums of magic, owned and operated by charitable trusts rather than private entities. These museums would serve as safe havens for magical artifacts, ensuring their preservation and accessibility to the public.

A museum of magic, governed by a charitable trust, would offer numerous benefits:

1. Preservation: Artifacts would be stored in a controlled environment, protected from the elements and potential disasters. Professional curators and conservators would ensure their long-term preservation.
2. Accessibility: A public museum would make these treasures accessible to everyone, from aspiring magicians to enthusiasts and scholars, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the history of magic.
3. Education: Such a museum could serve as an educational resource, offering exhibitions, workshops, and lectures that would inspire and educate future generations of magicians.
4. Community: A museum would act as a gathering place for magicians from all over the world, strengthening our community and fostering collaboration and innovation.

The loss experienced by Vanishing Inc. highlights the urgency of this need. By creating a dedicated space for the preservation and display of magic’s history, we can safeguard our heritage against future tragedies. We owe it to ourselves and future magicians to protect and celebrate the rich legacy of our craft.

Additionally, private collectors have a unique opportunity to contribute to this endeavor. Loaning items to a museum offers several significant advantages:

1. Increased security: Museums are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems and protocols, ensuring that valuable artifacts are well-protected against theft, damage, or loss.
2. Professional care: Items on loan benefit from the expertise of professional curators and conservators, guaranteeing their proper maintenance and preservation.
3. Public recognition: By loaning artifacts, private collectors can gain public recognition and prestige, showcasing their contributions to the preservation of magical history.
4. Tax benefits: In many regions, loaning items to public institutions can offer tax incentives, providing financial benefits to collectors.
5. Contribution to cultural heritage: By sharing their collections, private collectors play a crucial role in enriching the public’s understanding and appreciation of magic’s history, ensuring that these treasures inspire and educate future generations.

Let us come together as a community to advocate for the establishment of a museum of magic. Through collective effort and determination, we can ensure that the wonders of magic continue to inspire awe and wonder for generations to come.

Saying that though, if David Copperfield had any sense of morality he could set it up himself, given that he’s a billionaire with a shitload of priceless magic history in his collection.