The Public Paperfolding History Project

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Last updated 20/2/2024

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The Newspaper Tree
 
This page is being used to collect information about the history of the rolled and cut design known as the Newspaper Tree. Please contact me if you know any of this information is incorrect or if you have any other information that should be added. Thank you.

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1904

Denis Behr's website Conjuring Credits provides a reference to a publication of this effect in the conjuring magazine 'The Magician' Volume 1 No. 1 of December. 1904 and states 'Presumably, this article was written by the editor, Will Goldston. The explanation is introduced with a mention that “The novelty I am about to describe is manipulated very cleverly by J. F. Burrows.” This is not phrased to claim origination for Burrows, but indicates that the item was in at least one performing repertoire by 1904 or earlier.'

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This effect also appears:

1920

In 'Paper Magic' by Will Blyth, which was first published by C Arthur Pearson in London in 1920.

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1922

In 'Houdini's Paper Magic', which was published by E P Dutton and Company of New York in 1922.

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1932

In 'Winter Nights Entertainments' by R M Abraham, which was first published by Constable and Constable in London in 1932, under the title of 'A Paper Pine Tree'.

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1937

In 'Paper Toy Making' by Margaret Campbell, which was first published by Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons Ltd in London, probably in 1937, although both the Foreword and Preface are dated 1936, which argues that the book was complete at that date, under the title of 'Poplar Tree'. This variant only uses four small cuts.

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1939

As 'The Christmas Tree' in 'Fun with Paper' by Joseph Leeming, which was published by Spencer Press Inc in Chicago in 1939.

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1949

In 'Au Pays des Mains Agiles', which was published by Editions Fleurus in Paris in 1949. In this case the design is made by rolling several sheets of paper together.

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1960

As just 'The Tree' in 'Paper Folding Fun' by Robert Harbin, which was published by Oldbourne in London in 1960.

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