Background
Hughes was born in Essex, but moved to the United States and became an illusionist.
Hughes was born in Essex, but moved to the United States and became an illusionist.
He would wear dark makeup, exotic clothing, and claim to come from Ava in Burma. He billed himself as "The Fakir of Ava, Chief of Staff of Conjurors to His Sublime Greatness the Nanka of Aristaphae". He performed standard European magic tricks, but attempted to bill them as great Oriental feats.
He later gave up his costume and performed in formal evening dress.
In 1857, Hughes came up with the idea of a "gift show", a gimmick that was later used by many magicians in the 19th century. In his gift shows, Hughes would, in addition to performing magic, give away door prizes.
The gifts were inexpensive trinkets such as second-hand watches or brass jewelry. Nonetheless, the concept excited audiences and was highly profitable because of the large crowds it drew — "I quickly put South again and coined money," said Hughes later.
When Harry Kellar, later known as the "Dean of American Magicians", was a youth, he saw Hughes perform, and immediately decided that he wanted to be a magician himself.
He became Hughes" assistant, and thus began his career as a traveling stage magician. Some of the effects Harris performs included (from playbills)
The Enchanted Canopy
The Aeriel Bank or Mysterious Treasury in the Air
The Mephistophole’s Hat
The Card Printer
The Fairy Star
The Great Orange Trick
The Chinese Plate Illusion
How to Cook an Omelet, and Produce Game and Ring
The Bank Note and Enchanted Candle
The Flying Watches
The Enchanted Fishery
The Express Laundry
The Wonderful Hat
The Witches Pole or the obedient Mysterious Blood Writing on the Arm
Vanishing Cage, Balls and Game
Laughable Ribbon and Paper Trick
The Great African Box and Sack Feat (Mysterious Appearance and Disappearance)
The Sealed Packet Or Wonders of Supernatural Vision
Angel’s Flight through Mid-Air! The Elements
Wizard Portfolio
Mystic Clock
Japanese Butterfly Trick
Aerial Couch
Gun Feat
Bottle Feat
Great Second Sight Mystery.