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Chris Pratt, MIMC, Vice President, The Magic Circle
1947 - 2008
Remembered by Alan Shaxon, President, The Magic
Circle
It
was only following the Centenary Celebrations of The Magic Circle in 2005, that
Chris Pratt became unwell, and was diagnosed as suffering from a brain tumour,
which ultimately led to his sad passing on Monday, 11th August 2008.
Unfortunately the early optimism following the initial operation, and the
progress that he was making was dashed by recent set-backs, and he left us all
far too early in his 60th year.
Chris made an inestimable contribution to the magic world, and particularly to
The Magic Circle, having played a leading role in the progress of the Society in
recent decades, and served as the Hon. Secretary for a record 22 years before
being elected Vice President. A distinguished lawyer by profession he rose to
become a District Judge, and The Magic Circle greatly benefited from his legal
background.
A very polished magical performer, he was especially renowned for his ability to
spring shuffle a pack of cards, stopping at any named card. When close-up magic
first gained its hold on our profession, he teamed up with Brian King, and as
“Baskerville and King” they were a sought after duo in London`s West End. As our
Public Events Director he organised the Annual Christmas Show and the highly
successful “Meet The Magic Circle” events in our new HQ.
Chris's devotion to The Magic Circle was matched by his wife Jill, to whom we
all extend our sincere sympathies, and to their family at this sad time.
Alan Shaxon, August 2008