Harry Price

What it is

Harry Price was a prominent figure in the study of psychical research during the interwar period. He worked as an author and investigator, focusing on supernatural claims such as haunted houses and spirit communication. Price is best remembered for his work at Borley Rectory, which he claimed was the most haunted house in England. He also gained fame for exposing fraudulent spiritualist mediums who used trickery to deceive the public.

Where it comes from

Price was born in London in 1881, though he often claimed a Shropshire origin. His early interest in magic began after seeing a performance by a magician known as the Great Sequah. This experience led him to join the Magic Circle and develop skills in sleight of hand. He later applied these conjuring techniques to his investigations of paranormal phenomena, distinguishing himself from other researchers by his expertise in detecting deception.

How it is done

Price employed rigorous testing methods influenced by his background in magic. He would often mark photographic plates or use secret signals to catch mediums cheating. In séances, he looked for physical evidence of fraud, such as hidden objects or pre-prepared materials. He also conducted experiments with fire-walkers and telepathy tests, using controlled environments to verify or disprove claims of supernatural ability.

Tools and materials

His investigations relied on standard scientific equipment adapted for paranormal testing. He used voice control recorders to analyze mediumship claims. Photographic plates were central to his work with spirit photographers. He also utilized his knowledge of stage props and illusions to understand how mediums created effects like ectoplasm or spirit hands. His library contained extensive records and artifacts related to these studies.

What it is for

The primary goal of Price's work was to separate truth from fraud in the realm of the paranormal. He sought to expose charlatans who exploited vulnerable people seeking contact with the dead. At the same time, he remained open to the possibility of genuine psychical phenomena. His investigations aimed to bring scientific scrutiny to claims that were often accepted without question by the public and spiritualist societies.

Who does it

Price was a self-taught investigator who combined journalism with academic inquiry. He was trained in chemistry and engineering, which helped him design experimental setups. As a member of the Magic Circle, he understood the mechanics of illusion. He worked independently but collaborated with other researchers and journalists. His status as a conjurer gave him unique insight into the tricks used by fraudulent mediums.

Peoples and places

Price was active primarily in Britain, with some investigations extending to Germany and India. He investigated German mediums in Munich and studied Indian rope tricks and fire-walking in India. His work resonated with the British public, who were fascinated by spiritualism after World War I. He challenged both the Society for Psychical Research and independent spiritualist groups, often creating controversy within the community.

What people believe

Price operated within a framework of skeptical inquiry. He did not accept supernatural claims at face value but tested them empirically. He believed that many reported phenomena could be explained by natural causes or human deception. However, he did not dismiss all paranormal possibilities. His approach was to demand evidence and subject claims to the same scrutiny applied to any scientific hypothesis.

When it is done

His investigations spanned several decades, from the 1920s to the 1940s. Key events included his exposure of William Hope in 1922 and his move to Borley Rectory in 1937. He published numerous books and articles throughout this period, documenting his findings for the public. His work coincided with the height of spiritualism's popularity in the West.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Price's methods were sometimes criticized by fellow researchers for being too theatrical or biased. The Society for Psychical Research had disputes with him over payment of mediums and investigative protocols. Despite this, his work contributed to the broader field of parapsychology. Historians view him as a complex figure who bridged the gap between entertainment magic and serious psychical research.

Compare and confuse

Price is often compared to Harry Houdini, another famous skeptic and magician. Both men used their knowledge of illusion to debunk spiritualist frauds. However, Price was more involved in institutional research and publishing. He differed from Houdini in his willingness to consider some paranormal phenomena as potentially genuine.

Questions people ask about Harry Price

Good reading and sources

• Harry Price on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data