Two generations of magic - Mysterious Alma and his son Will Alma

Names and date supplied by Will Alma. Many of these images are photographic copies made by Will Alma from original images in newspapers, magazines or publicity so the quality is variable. William George Alma (1904 - 1993) was a magician, collector and manufacturer of magic apparatus. He became a magician in 1918 and performed all over Australia and overseas for the next 70 years. As well as being a performer he was a craftsman and manufacturer. His Alma Magical Company produced magic apparatus and props which have been used throughout the world. When Will Alma 'retired' in 1978 he continued to promote the history and art of illusion through his collection of magicana. Pharos, also known as Alma the Mysterious, was the father of magician Will Alma. Born Oswald Henry Bishop in Malvern, Victoria 1880, he changed his name to P.H. Ross and used the pseudonym Pharos when embarking on a world tour. He become a U.S. citizen in 1920 and died in Hawaii in 1956. Will Alma, almost half-length, to right, smiling, his father Mysterious Alma also known as Pharos on his left, half-length, to right, wear spectacles - Pharos on left, almost half-length, to left, wearing spectacles, looking at Will Alma who is on his left, half-length, to right, smiling.