The Interrupted Seance by Arthur Watts

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The Interrupted Seance by Arthur Watts

Complete demoralisation of psychical research party on arrival of a real ghost. Humorous illustration by Arthur Watts poking fun at the growth of interest in the existence (or not) of paranormal activity during the 1920s

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Media ID 4425645

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10267611

Activity Arthur Ghost Ghosts Psychical Research Seance Spirit Spirits Paranormal

EDITORS COMMENTS
The Interrupted Seance" by Arthur Watts: A Humorous Take on the Fascination with the Paranormal in the 1920s The 1920s were a time of great intrigue and fascination with the unknown, as people began to explore the world of the paranormal and the existence of spirits. Psychical research, the scientific investigation of paranormal phenomena, was all the rage, with seances and spirit communications becoming popular pastimes for the intellectually curious and the spiritually inclined. Arthur Watts, a British illustrator, captured the essence of this cultural moment in his humorous print "The Interrupted Seance." In the image, a group of serious-faced psychical researchers are gathered around a table, their faces illuminated by the dim light of the seance room. They are intently focused on their task, their hands poised above a Ouija board, waiting for a spiritual response. Suddenly, the door bursts open, and in walks a real ghost, startling the researchers out of their trance. The ghost, dressed in a long white sheet and carrying a lantern, looks surprised to find a room full of living people. The researchers, however, are completely demoralized, their expressions a mixture of shock, disbelief, and disappointment. The humor in Watts' illustration lies in the unexpected turn of events and the contrast between the seriousness of the researchers and the innocence of the ghost. It pokes fun at the growing interest in the paranormal and the often-unrealistic expectations of those seeking proof of the afterlife. Despite the humorous intent, "The Interrupted Seance" also serves as a reminder of the historical significance of the period, when people were exploring new frontiers of knowledge and belief. It is a testament to the enduring human curiosity about the mysteries of the universe and the power of art to capture and comment on the cultural zeitgeist.

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