Dates

• Existence: 13 November 1895 - 15 June 1965

Biography

William (Bill) Lawrence was born on 13 November 1895 in Chesterfield. Bill served an apprenticeship at Markham and Co’s Broad Oaks Works and then worked for over 30 years with the Sheepbridge Group of companies as a boilersmith. For the latter 14 years of his working life he was employed by Glass Tubes and Components Ltd.

Bill found a book amongst his father’s school books which set him on the way to being a magician. His first public performance was at the age of 15 at the Unitarian Chapel, Chesterfield.

During WWI Bill performed shows in aid of the Whittington Moor Potteries Soldiers Comforts Funds and various other charities and small gatherings. He continued performing after the war until he met his wife Charlotte, who palyed the piano for the local cimena to accompany silent films, and retired from showbusiness.

During the Second World War Bill started performing again and was asked to join the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He was also a member of the Sheffield Circle of Magicians.

During his career, he made appearances at the Hippodrome, Chesterfield; Montgomery Hall, Sheffield and the Albert Hall, Leeds.

In 1965 Billy was made the First Honorary Life Member of the Chesterfield Magicians Club. He died on 15 June 1965.

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