Some wall graffiti was discovered in the Lodge Room of the Mechanics Institute by vaudeville magician ‘Mysterious Alma’ (Australia’s foremost illusionist) who visited our hall in 1902.
The interesting story with photos about the magician Alma Snr. (Mysterious Alma) and his more successful son, Will Alma (The Amazing Alma) can be found here.
The graffiti was found in 2009 and researched by Heritage Planner, Chris Smith from Parks Victoria’s Conservation Program. Chris was the heritage architect responsible for the extensive and successful restoration project of the Mechanics Institute in 1996.
This information has been given copyright permission by the State Library of Victoria.
The State Library of Victoria provides information of interest for the Alma Collection here:
