
Robert Harbin
(12th February 1908 - 12th January 1978)
Born in Kokstaad, South Africa. Stage name of Edward Richard Charles "Ned" Williams. Son of a Cornishman. Learned magic as a boy from books. Pro illusionist, initially as "Ned Williams". Moved to London in 1929 at age 19. Took "Robert Harbin" as stage name at his debut at Maskelyne's (St. George's Hall) in 1932. In WW II toured with ENSA. Toured Canada and the USA in 1949-50, ending with a week at the New York Palace. TV bit on NBC-TV's 1957 "Festival of Magic" show. Worked cruise ships in last few years.
Prolific inventor of stage illusions, including Vanishing Radio (early 1940s), Dippy Magnet (1950), Stonehenge (1950), Block Control (1950), Little Tipler (by 1965), Topsy-Turvy, Assistant's Revenge, and Zig-Zag (1965), the last being one of the most famous of all illusions.
1970 Magic Circle "Magician of the Year" award. 1971 AMA Creative Fellowship. 1976 AMA Masters Fellowship. SAM Hall of Fame.
Coauthors: Al Baker, Roy Benson, Al Flosso, Leo (Mohammed Bey) Horowitz, "Think-a-Drink" Hoffman, Eugene Laurant, Magini, Miaco, Russell Swann, Ian Adair