Eng was born in 1948 and raised right here in Victoria. According to the museum, he had an affinity for the magical arts since he was a young boy. He received his first magic kit at the young age of 8-years-old and had started performing shows by age 12.
Onlookers would be able to see his show at The Japanese Village restaurant for two decades.
He worked over the years to piece together a show that was interwoven with his Chinese Canadian heritage that he called ‘Mysteries of the Orient,’ in which he was adorned in an elegant, embroidered mandarin robe.
It’s official! The Magic of Tony Eng exhibition, at the Victoria Chinatown Museum in Fan Tan Alley is now open! It is wonderful to see my dear dad being honoured in this very special way. Throughout the curatorial process, I was very moving to hear just how many people were touched by Dad and his magic. Thanks to the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and the Chinese Canadian Museum for choosing to spotlight someone who dared to be different and to chase his dreams. I was very excited to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony today. A profound honour and one I will never forget. Dad, I think you really would have loved this exhibition. I know I do.
The Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and the Chinese Canadian Museum have worked closely with the Eng family to create the exhibition which celebrates the spellbinding magical career of Tony Eng, whose enchanting influence and legacy reached far corners of the world. The exhibition features Tony’s original mandarin robe and many items from his bag of tricks.
“The Victoria Chinatown Museum Society is delighted to work with the Chinese Canadian Museum on the installation of ‘The Magic of Tony Eng’,” says Grace Wong Sneddon, Board Chair of the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and Co-Curator of The Magic of Tony Eng. “Tony was a mentor to youth in Victoria and around the world. His magic was more than a routine, it provided a space for us to dream beyond the ordinary. Stories of Victoria Chinese Canadians are important to share.”
Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., Tony’s fascination with magic began at the age of eight when he received his first magic kit, and then started performing magic shows at age 12. He became a fan favourite when he performed every Sunday at The Japanese Village restaurant for two decades.
Embracing his Chinese Canadian heritage, he created a distinctive show called “Mysteries of the Orient” which he performed in an embroidered mandarin’s robe. His skill and talent made him renowned in the Canadian magic circle where he was known as the “Ambassador of Magic.” His entrepreneurial skills enabled him to run a successful wholesale business and establish the Premier School of Bartending. He also started up his own Tony's Trick & Joke Shop in Victoria which was a fantasy emporium of wizardry and gadgetry where he inspired and mentored many young up-and-coming magicians for years to come.
You got to love advent calendars. They’re usually filled with chocolate, but I found one that is filled with… Magic! I’m going to open one every day in December. Then when it is finished, I’m going to give it to somebody as a gift in between Christmas and New Year’s day.
The following is a guest post from
Graeme Reed. This article first appeared in the December 2023 issue of
VANISH Magic Magazine
issue #113, pages 40-43. Reprinted with permission.
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Doug Hunt, October 21, 2023 Photo credit: Donna
Thompson
Walking Tall for Brantford
On October 21, 2023, Doug Hunt aka “Doug the Great”, made history when he
broke the Guinness World Record (GWR) for Mastering the Tallest Stilts,
walking 14 steps at 55 feet above the ground. In front of fellow entertainers
from around the world and his community of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Doug
successfully reclaimed the record that he first earned over 20 years
ago.
In the city of Brantford, “The Centre of the Universe,” as
Walter Gretzky would say, besides walking on stilts and entertaining the masses,
Doug is best known for his love and support of the community. Working as head of
fundraising at Participation Support Services Brantford for over 40 years, Doug
has always found creative ways to build awareness and raise money while
empowering everyone around him.
The attempt occurred at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre’s (WGSC) 10th
anniversary celebrations. Inside the sports complex is a museum dedicated to
Brantford’s greatest athletes. To see Walter and Wayne Gretzky's historical
hockey memorabilia, you first walk under The World's Tallest Stilts. Walter
Gretzky was famous in Brantford for signing autographs with his branded blue
Sharpie – blue never fades. To pay homage, Doug, with the help of local
sponsors, made up custom blue markers for sponsors and anyone who donated to
sign his record-breaking stilts.
Among those in attendance was Nicole Lee; this is how she experienced the
truly amazing day:
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A victorious Doug Hunt! Photo credit: Gary Foster
Daughter Megan, grandson Seth, Doug Hunt, and David McKee (Brantford Town Crier)
A large-scale stunt like this is only possible with community
support. There is a list longer than 55 feet of people who donated their time,
money, and passion to the project, not just to break a record but to raise
awareness and donations for
Participation Support Services Brantford
whose mandate it is to “support adults with physical disabilities and complex
needs to live as independently as possible.” Everything from the one-of-a-kind
stilts, aerial lift, two cranes, and so much more was all donated to spotlight
a truly amazing cause.
While Doug reclaimed the record at 14 steps on October 21 at the
WGSC, the official submission is 16 steps at 55 feet high, achieved on October
17th, 2023, at Brantwood Farms in front of a small public audience.
Congratulations to Doug Hunt of Brantford, Ontario for reclaiming his Guinness
World Record of Mastering the Tallest Stilts and being truly amazing.
The silo.
Training with Coach Tom
A winning team!
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Congratulations Doug, on this amazing accomplishment!
