‘Scots Houdini’ hosts first escape exhibition
Scotland’s answer to Houdini is giving locals an insight into the wonderful world of escapology in the first exhibition of its kind in Scotland.
Opened by Rebecca Taylor, the daughter of world famous escape artist and magician, the late David De-Val, this fascinating display at East Kilbride Arts Centre is hosted by Scottish escape artist Andy Robertson. As the only Scots member of the United Kingdom Escape Artists (U.K.E.A) Andy has performed death-defying shows throughout the country, freeing himself from the confinement of ropes, handcuffs, chains and much more.
His most terrifying trick is Harry Houdini’s famous Milk Can escape attempt which he describes as “brutal” and “very dangerous”.
And Andy’s most challenging escape is yet to come when he attempts to break out of a secure jail at Aberdeen’s notorious Peterhead Prison on the anniversary of Houdini’s death this Halloween.
Visitors to the Arts Centre can marvel at the apparatus used by the world’s most famous escapologists at the Arts Centre exhibition.
Andy told Lanarkshire Live: “At the exhibition you can see many of the items used by world famous artists like Houdini and David De-Val.
“There is a huge picture of Houdini at the Glasgow Pavilion from 1920 – only the second time it’s been on public display and an original Houdini Milk Can made by David DeVal. It’s a very real escape and there are only a few in existence.
“There is also a large display of handcuffs from all over the world on display including ankle and thumb cuffs.
“A medieval gibbet gage is one restraint on display that can be seen close up – its very strange – and several strait jackets, one of which was specially imported from the USA for the exhibition.”
There is also a section on jail escapes with a large collection of rare and modern prison locks on display.
Andy will also be on hand to give some demonstrations and answer any questions.
He added: “The exhibition has been a huge success so far with people coming to see it from all over the country. The fact is it’s never been done in Scotland means it’s a first for people to see.”
Welcome to the World of Escapology runs until May 28 from 10am to 8pm.
Entry is free.