1-157-101 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Spirit unmasked at a London séance, 1880. Top: forming a circle by joining hands. Centre: a medium's assistant being placed behind a curtain (left), while spirit manifestations occur (right). Bottom: a very substantial 'spirit' is apprehended while trying to slip away. There were a number of fake mediums in London at this time, taking advantage of the fashion for spiritualism and of the gullibility of those wishing to make contact with those 'on the other side'. From The Graphic. (London, 1880).