The Chamber of Secrets: Growth of Flowers

A miniature treasure and magical novelty is reproduced in The Chamber of Secrets, from wood that’s older than the original!

John Gaughan
The Chamber of Secrets: Growth of Flowers
The paper flowers were made in the 19th century and the leaves are sprung so that the flowers expand when revealed. Photo by Jeff Chang, courtesy of John Gaughan

This month we will be talking about a variation on a prop I know will be familiar to Genii readers. I first came across this idea when I visited The Magic Circle in London, many years ago. I was with a great British collector, Leslie Cole, who had found this peculiar variation on the Ball Vase in a market on Portobello Road and then donated it to The Circle’s collection. I liked the idea, and when I saw a damaged version come up for sale in an auction earlier this year I decided it was time to add one to The Chamber of Secrets. I had always wanted to have a go at it, so I made this one, with a few little additions.

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about the author
John Gaughan
John’s love for collecting began when he received a vintage mini-die box as a gift. He followed Mark Wilson from Texas to Los Angeles in the 1960s, and is today a world-renowned illusion builder.
Los Angeles, CA
about the author
Will Houstoun
Will Houstoun is Genii’s executive editor. He holds a literary fellowship from The Magic Castle, has a PhD in Victorian conjuring, and consults for film and television.
London
PerspectivesViewpointsSeptember 2026