The Public Paperfolding History Project

Main Index Page

Last updated 2/10/2026

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Paper Tearing As Entertainment
 
This page is being used to collect information about the history of Paper Tearing used as an entertainment. 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.

There is a separate page about the history of the specific paper tearing effect known as The Ship's Wheel.

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1910

An article mentioning paper tearing appeared in the issue of 'Magic: The Magazine of Wonder' of June 1910.

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1920

This print by Stanley Anderson shows a streeet performer holding a finished paper tear. Held in the collection of the British Museum. Information from Michel Grand.

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1947

In 'Willane's Wizardry' by Willane, which was pubished by ARCAS, in London, and has a foreword dated 1947, which contains the interesting information that this effect was often used by buskers performing to theatre queues.

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1949

A version of the effect that would produce a ring of eight rabbits, worked out by Jay Marshall, and intended for use entertaining children, was explained in an article by Martin Gardner, titled 'Stunts with Paper' published in 'Hugard's Magic Monthly' for September 1949.

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