Paula Baird

Paula Baird Template:PersonInfo was in internationally known British manipulator during the 1940-50s. Wearing a strapless evening gown while performing, Paula's act was billed as "Sophisticated Sleveless Sorcery."

Baird, bron in Hastings, became interested in magic when receiving a Christmas magic set intended for her brother.

By age 15, Baird was working semi-professionally and in 1932, made headlines when she became champion girl conjurer in a competition held by the Maskelynes at St. George's Hall in London.

She also made headlines when she became the youngest girl to fly an airplane in England.

During World War II (which her brother died in), she toured with the Entertainments National Service Association, entertaining troops in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

She was a FISM winner in 1948 (second prize in manipulation). In 1950 became one of Goodliffe's Flying Sorcerers, traveling to conventions throughout the world. Although in those days she could not become a member of The Magic Circle in London, she did nevertheless do a lot of work for them appearing in shows and received a Silver Wand.

During the 1950s she had a TV series called "Magic for Mothers."

In the 1960s, Bairdswitched careers to become a courier with a travel tour operator.

References

• Magic Magazine, January 1999 (obit)
• Linking Ring, February 1999, page 124
• Women in Magic B: Paula Baird by Micael Claxton in Linking Ring (July, 2006)