In Memory of Neil Foster
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Press release for Neil Foster, distributed April 24, 1981
Neil Foster is an internationally known lecturer, teacher, inventor and performer of magic. He began his career when a senior in high school in his home town of Aurora, Illinois. In 1947 he attended the Chavez College of Manual Dexterity and Prestidigitation in Los Angeles, where he remained as an instructor for three years. He then toured the United States and 14 European countries.
In 1953 he performed at the Gala Coronation Convivialities for Queen Elizabeth II and was made a member of England's Inner Magic Circle. In Paris, he became a member of the Association Francaise des Artistes Prestidigitateures. He is also a lifetime member of the All India Magic Circle.
Neil Foster and his wife, jeanne, toured for many years under the sponsorship of the Lecture Bureaus of the Univesities of Wisconsin, Minnesota and North and South Dakota.
In 1959 the Fosters joined the staff of the Abbott Magic Company of Colon, Michigan, the world's largest manufacturers of professional magical equipment. Neil is vice-president of the company and editor of "TOPS Magazine," a monthly trade journal published by Abbotts, which has readers all over the world. (The following added in handwriting). In 1979 he retired and became the Editor Emeritus. Presently he teaches privately at his home studio. (End of handwritten segment.)
In 1974 Neil was invited to represent the United States in a ten day FESTIMAGIA in Argentina, a fund-raising event for charitable works of the Semana Don Orione Cottolengos. In Buenos Aires he was made an honorary member of the Society of Argentine Magicians and the Argentine Magic Circle.
On March 12, 1977, he attended the ninth annual Academy of magical Arts Banquet at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills and was presented the Performing Fellowship Award. Mark Wilson read the plaque: "In recognition of his many years of performing and bringing dignity and stature to the art of magic. We also recognize his ability as a creator of new effects, as a teacher, and as an editor. he has proven himself to be, in addition to all these things, a wonderful human being."
Sleight of hand artistry, expressing skill and mystery in pantomime with a musical background, is Neil's forte. His manipulation of playing cards, coins and golf balls is sheer poetry in motion, and his presentation of the "Floating Silver Sphere" is the acme of the magician's art.
Goodlifee, leading magical authority of England, recently named Neil Foster as one of the 10 leading magicians in the world today.
MysteryVisits.com's magic pages
OTHER PHOTOS of Neil Foster
ARTICLES ABOUT NEIL FOSTER:
Ovation for Neil Foster (1977)
Neil Foster recalls Queen Elizabeth (1977)
Jeanne Foster's obituary (1979)
Surgery restores Foster's ability (1979)
Background on Neil Foster (1981)
The Chavez course under Neil Foster (1981)
Magic museum honors Foster (1987)
Neil Foster's obituary (1988)
Recollections of Neil Foster (1988)
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