On June 3rd, renowned magician Michael Ammar and his wife Hannah visited Clare Hall, accompanied by Hugh Newsam, the secretary of the Cambridge Pentacle Club. Their visit was centred around the stained glass windows of the Ashby Library, which celebrate the legacy of Professor Walter William Rouse Ball.

Ball was a Cambridge mathematician who founded the Pentacle Club, one of the world’s oldest magic societies. The Ashby Library was originally part of Elmside when it was a family house, which was owned by Ball. The space was later converted into a special-purpose library, named after Eric Ashby, a founding and honorary fellow of Clare Hall, and funded by Obert Tanner, a generous benefactor of the College. The library’s stained glass windows incorporate magical words and numbers, reflecting Ball’s deep connection to both mathematics and magic.

Michael Ammar, a celebrated magician known for his contributions to close-up magic, was in Cambridge to lecture at the Pentacle Club that evening. His visit to Clare Hall, alongside Hugh Newsam, acted as a wonderful link with the Pentacle Club’s first president, reinforcing the deep historical ties between Cambridge and the world of magic.

Ammar is widely recognised as a teacher of magic, having influenced countless magicians through his instructional books and videos. He has also made numerous television appearances in the United States, including a memorable performance on The Late Show with David Letterman. His ability to teach and perform magic at the highest level has cemented his reputation as one of the most influential figures in the magic community.

For more on Professor Walter William Rouse Ball, the history of the Pentacle Club, information about joining, and events and shows that in the next year, visit the club’s website.