Val Walker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Val Walker
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Val Walker in 1918
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| Born | 15 February 1890 England
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| Died | 17 March 1969 (aged 79) |
Valentine Augustus Walker (born February 15, 1890 – died March 17, 1969) was a famous English magician and escape artist. He was also known as Val A. Walker and Val Enson. Val Walker was very creative and designed many amazing illusions.
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Who Was Val Walker?
Val Walker was born in Moseley, Birmingham, England. His father, Joseph Walker, was a landscape gardener. Before becoming a full-time performer, Val worked as an electrical apparatus maker. He even served in the Royal Navy and was called the "Wizard of the Navy" because of his magic skills.
Val Walker's Amazing Illusions
Val Walker was known for designing clever magic tricks. One of his most famous creations was the Radium Girl illusion. This trick made it seem like a person was glowing with mysterious light.
The Tank in the Thames Escape
Val Walker's most daring act was "The Tank in the Thames." On August 20, 1920, he was locked inside a steel tank. This tank was then lowered into the River Thames from a ship called the Sea-Scout Training Ship, Northampton. Amazingly, he escaped in just 20 seconds! This stunt made him very famous.
Later Life and Return to Magic
Val Walker married Ethel Dora Harris in 1913. He decided to retire from performing magic in 1924. However, he returned to the stage for a short time in 1939. For his return, he used the name 'Val Enson' and performed a new illusion called "The Aquamarine Girl."
