Davenport Brothers | Two of the most famous mediums of their day

Davenport Brothers

Les Freres Davenport et M. Fay. St. Petersburg: 1867

Broadside (approx: 600 x 218 mm). Printed on brown paper, text in Russian and French, mounted on linen; old folds, minor spotting. 

"The Davenport Brothers, who began conducting public séances in the 1850's, were the most successful 'mediums' and among the most famous figures of their day. Their cabinet resembled an oversized armoire. The brothers, wrists and ankles securely bound with rope, sat inside. When the doors were closed, 'spiritual manifestations' took place … Actually, the Davenports secretly extricated themselves from the ropes, produced the desired effects, and resecured themselves before the cabinet was reopened" (LP&FW 229-230).  

REFERENCE:

LP&FW, pp. 229-230