In 1973, Roberto Vergonjeanne - a prestigious plastic industrialist - founded one of the most recognized brands in the world of magic: Vernet Magic. Vergonjeanne, was born in the city of Remedios de Escalada, in the province of Buenos Aires although, due to asthmatic problems, he had to move to the province of Córdoba. There, he began to exercise physically with dedication, which allowed him to overcome his illness and even travel to Finland to compete in the 1952 Olympics.
His father owned "Alberto Vergonjeanne e Hijo S.A", a factory of ignition cables for spark plugs for motorcycles and fuel tables, among other spare parts, of great prestige in Cordoba and the country. In 1955 Roberto begins to take charge of the company and manages to carry it forward and to transform himself, too, into a highly respected industrialist. In 1968, he founded VEYDILE, the most important flower and plastic factory in South America. VEYDILE, would soon become its main activity and the closest antecedent of "Vernet Magic". Until then, Vergonjeanne was someone who had forgotten his fondness for magic. "The non-magical circumstances of life," he says in his book Communication and Magic, "completely separated me from my childlike fun. But that was until the summer season in Mar del Plata, in 1969. A large sign on the Casino building announced: "First International Festival of Magic."
Roberto Vergonjeanne in his office Córdoba, Argentina – Circa 1970
The "Festival" was one of the first great congresses of magic organized in Argentina by another pioneer, Oscar Keller. The guest of honor, on that occasion, was an English magician of great magical descent who, with his spectacles, had convulsed magic in Argentina and in the world: Fu Manchú. Vergonjeanne had there, his childhood idol. "My idol of childhood and adult memories, distant and unattainable whom I had never seen offstage," Vernet recalled, "was there, sitting on a chair, on a stage; Another day, in the front row of the stalls or walking. " "My idol of childhood and adult memories, distant and unattainable whom I had never seen offstage," Vernet recalled, "was there, sitting on a chair, on a stage; Another day, in the front row of the stalls or walking "Keller, remember very well Vernet's enthusiasm for attending the congress. "He took out tickets for every day and did not miss any of the functions. Besides, he remembers, he was maddened by Fú's presence as a guest; He wanted to meet him. " And although it was not very much the treatment that had with him, that First Festival of Magic was sufficiently strong so that it was revived its love by the magic. Shortly afterwards, on a tour of Buenos Aires, Vergonjeanne happened to meet the "Fu Manchu Magic Center", a business and school of magic that Fu, as his friends told him, carried on during those years. Under the pretext of buying something, Vergonjeanne entered the bazaar to know more closely his idol and, from that moment, consolidated a master-pupil relationship that would then be, plain and simple, a great friendship.
Vernet is born
It is very possible that it was at the suggestion of Fu Manchú himself that Vergonjeanne decided to apply his industry to the manufacture of accessories and magic tricks. That, and, of course, his great passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The new industry was called in the same way that Vergonjeanne appeared before the public: "Vernet".
For the Argentine and South American magic, the founding of this company was a forceful milestone. For the first time an industry was dedicated to magic; For the first time, matrices, injectors, packaging and marketing were used in the elaboration of magic effects. Faced with the typical craftsmanship, this was truly revolutionary. The truth is that, in a short time, Vernet is formed from a vast catalog of original products and others with interesting modifications that would serve, and would continue to serve, the amateur and professional magician. Most of these products remain today (Always Full-Always Empty, Insta Salt, Zombie Ball, Zombie Mini Ball and, of course, Finger Tips, to name just a few of Vernet's
dozens of "classics"). However, other products were replaced with new ones. Enumerating some of the products left in the way, will help to give an idea of the inventiveness of Vernet and his condition of advanced man for the time: Silk Painter (a gimmick that, not only allowed to change color twice a silk , But apparently did so by pouring liquid of color into the paper tube containing the original handkerchief); ESP-encil (an intelligent mechanism that allowed the guessing of the color of a pencil placed inside a box of matches), Box Okito (its version, made of plastic, had a charger that allowed a striking climax); Super Lota (to the classic effect of alternating the continuous production of water with completely dry tissues, it added the final appearance of a dove!).
The popularity and pride that Vernet felt for that illusion is demonstrated in his logo: paying attention, it can be clearly recognized that the isotype of the brand is the synthesis of the magician and his assistant suspended in the air.
Distinctions and Collaborations
Vergonjeanne was a Member of the American Society of Magicians (S.A.M) and the Association Francaise des Artistes Prestidigitateurs - Ordre des Illusionnistes - France. In addition, he participated in some of the most important and popular television programs in Argentina, such as Blackie's program and Pipo Mancera's "Saturdays Circulars" (just in a homage to Fu Manchú featuring, along with his wife, the famous levitation And his classic "Multiplication of Balls". But in addition, Vergonjeanne was a regular contributor to specialized magazines, highlighting, in this sense, the magazine "Tops". But Vernet also received some important prizes, such as First Prize in Invention, in the Argentine Congress of Illusionism, with a jury composed by the prestigious Fantasio, Carlos Colombi and Arturo de Ascanio. However, his inventiveness was not focused exclusively on effects from near or from living room. Vernet came to develop an incredible method for the Levitation of an assistant that even some wizards use today. The versatility of this method is such that, as Oscar Keller recalls, Vernet came to present it in the lobby of a hotel, surrounded by people. His dedication and concern for the art of magic is also demonstrated by his dedication to writing "Communication and Magic", a book devoted entirely to theory and reflection on magic. If in these days, a title of these characteristics draws attention to the scarce, imagine how much it meant thirty years ago. Once again, his condition of "advanced man" is demonstrated. After a life dedicated to industry and his passion, magic, Vergonjeanne dies a few days after the beginning of 1996. There is no doubt that the world and the industry of magic will always be grateful for their commitment and work.
Vernet presenting his astonishing "Levitation" with his wife Nova
First Prize in Innovation for the wonderful "Universal Pull". In the Second Argentine Congress of Illusionism in 1981
"Communication and Magic" Book on theory written by Vergonjeanne
THE NEW AGE:
In 1994 Michelangelo Clavello (Michel) and his lifelong friend Carlos Garavaglia (Greco) associate and create MICHEL & GRECO MAGIC PRODS. S.R.L. That same year, they acquired VERNET. Prior to the purchase, Michel and Greco, along with their professional work as magicians, wrote original monographic books on classical effects ("The Magic Lesson", "The Wallet Himber", to name a few) and manufactured and imported some effects that, Then sold on the domestic market. Over time, they came up with the possibility of buying the company and they did. What they acquired was a series of injection molds, a stock of merchandise in process and, fundamentally, the brand and the prestige. Its task was, therefore, to maintain and increase the reputation of so many years. And they did. Over the years, Michel and Greco achieved a total re-foundation of the company. A refoundation that meant the renewal of the image, an international repositioning of the brand, a remarkable improvement in the products and, above all, the incorporation of dozens of new effects and accessories. Little by little, the new Vernet was working with the best specialists and renewing their injection molds. Year after year they improved the classic products and, above all, they incorporated dozens of new tricks to their catalog that, in these days, already duplicates the original. More and more tricks and gimmicks for Mentalism, Comic Magic, Cartomagia, Salon Magic, Fence Magic, Manipulation. Always, with the same quality and reputation. Vernet Magic has almost completely renewed the packaging and instructions. In this sense, he has thought of the best way to present the product, also making sure that each of the explanations is not only clear and interesting, but also useful for the amateur and professional magician. From the Michel & Greco society, Vernet Magic participated in all FISM congresses and countless international conferences in France, Germany, the United States, Canada, Italy and Latin America. In the same way, the new Vernet, has been appearing month by month, for more than ten years, in the magazines magazines most important and largest in the world. The company was renewed but without losing the original enthusiasm and passion; Without losing the quality, the reputation and the desire to continue growing, the same as infused Roberto Vergonjeanne ... or as everyone knew: VERNET.
In 1973, Roberto Vergonjeanne - a prestigious plastic industrialist - founded one of the most recognized brands in the world of magic: Vernet Magic. Vergonjeanne, was born in the city of Remedios de Escalada, in the province of Buenos Aires although, due to asthmatic problems, he had to move to the province of Córdoba. There, he began to exercise physically with dedication, which allowed him to overcome his illness and even travel to Finland to compete in the 1952 Olympics.
His father owned "Alberto Vergonjeanne e Hijo S.A", a factory of ignition cables for spark plugs for motorcycles and fuel tables, among other spare parts, of great prestige in Cordoba and the country. In 1955 Roberto begins to take charge of the company and manages to carry it forward and to transform himself, too, into a highly respected industrialist. In 1968, he founded VEYDILE, the most important flower and plastic factory in South America. VEYDILE, would soon become its main activity and the closest antecedent of "Vernet Magic". Until then, Vergonjeanne was someone who had forgotten his fondness for magic. "The non-magical circumstances of life," he says in his book Communication and Magic, "completely separated me from my childlike fun. But that was until the summer season in Mar del Plata, in 1969. A large sign on the Casino building announced: "First International Festival of Magic."
The "Festival" was one of the first great congresses of magic organized in Argentina by another pioneer, Oscar Keller. The guest of honor, on that occasion, was an English magician of great magical descent who, with his spectacles, had convulsed magic in Argentina and in the world: Fu Manchú. Vergonjeanne had there, his childhood idol. "My idol of childhood and adult memories, distant and unattainable whom I had never seen offstage," Vernet recalled, "was there, sitting on a chair, on a stage; Another day, in the front row of the stalls or walking. " "My idol of childhood and adult memories, distant and unattainable whom I had never seen offstage," Vernet recalled, "was there, sitting on a chair, on a stage; Another day, in the front row of the stalls or walking "Keller, remember very well Vernet's enthusiasm for attending the congress. "He took out tickets for every day and did not miss any of the functions. Besides, he remembers, he was maddened by Fú's presence as a guest; He wanted to meet him. " And although it was not very much the treatment that had with him, that First Festival of Magic was sufficiently strong so that it was revived its love by the magic. Shortly afterwards, on a tour of Buenos Aires, Vergonjeanne happened to meet the "Fu Manchu Magic Center", a business and school of magic that Fu, as his friends told him, carried on during those years. Under the pretext of buying something, Vergonjeanne entered the bazaar to know more closely his idol and, from that moment, consolidated a master-pupil relationship that would then be, plain and simple, a great friendship.
Vernet is born
It is very possible that it was at the suggestion of Fu Manchú himself that Vergonjeanne decided to apply his industry to the manufacture of accessories and magic tricks. That, and, of course, his great passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The new industry was called in the same way that Vergonjeanne appeared before the public: "Vernet".
For the Argentine and South American magic, the founding of this company was a forceful milestone. For the first time an industry was dedicated to magic; For the first time, matrices, injectors, packaging and marketing were used in the elaboration of magic effects. Faced with the typical craftsmanship, this was truly revolutionary. The truth is that, in a short time, Vernet is formed from a vast catalog of original products and others with interesting modifications that would serve, and would continue to serve, the amateur and professional magician. Most of these products remain today (Always Full-Always Empty, Insta Salt, Zombie Ball, Zombie Mini Ball and, of course, Finger Tips, to name just a few of Vernet's
dozens of "classics"). However, other products were replaced with new ones. Enumerating some of the products left in the way, will help to give an idea of the inventiveness of Vernet and his condition of advanced man for the time: Silk Painter (a gimmick that, not only allowed to change color twice a silk , But apparently did so by pouring liquid of color into the paper tube containing the original handkerchief); ESP-encil (an intelligent mechanism that allowed the guessing of the color of a pencil placed inside a box of matches), Box Okito (its version, made of plastic, had a charger that allowed a striking climax); Super Lota (to the classic effect of alternating the continuous production of water with completely dry tissues, it added the final appearance of a dove!).
The popularity and pride that Vernet felt for that illusion is demonstrated in his logo: paying attention, it can be clearly recognized that the isotype of the brand is the synthesis of the magician and his assistant suspended in the air.
Distinctions and Collaborations
Vergonjeanne was a Member of the American Society of Magicians (S.A.M) and the Association Francaise des Artistes Prestidigitateurs - Ordre des Illusionnistes - France. In addition, he participated in some of the most important and popular television programs in Argentina, such as Blackie's program and Pipo Mancera's "Saturdays Circulars" (just in a homage to Fu Manchú featuring, along with his wife, the famous levitation And his classic "Multiplication of Balls". But in addition, Vergonjeanne was a regular contributor to specialized magazines, highlighting, in this sense, the magazine "Tops". But Vernet also received some important prizes, such as First Prize in Invention, in the Argentine Congress of Illusionism, with a jury composed by the prestigious Fantasio, Carlos Colombi and Arturo de Ascanio. However, his inventiveness was not focused exclusively on effects from near or from living room. Vernet came to develop an incredible method for the Levitation of an assistant that even some wizards use today. The versatility of this method is such that, as Oscar Keller recalls, Vernet came to present it in the lobby of a hotel, surrounded by people. His dedication and concern for the art of magic is also demonstrated by his dedication to writing "Communication and Magic", a book devoted entirely to theory and reflection on magic. If in these days, a title of these characteristics draws attention to the scarce, imagine how much it meant thirty years ago. Once again, his condition of "advanced man" is demonstrated. After a life dedicated to industry and his passion, magic, Vergonjeanne dies a few days after the beginning of 1996. There is no doubt that the world and the industry of magic will always be grateful for their commitment and work.
THE NEW AGE:
In 1994 Michelangelo Clavello (Michel) and his lifelong friend Carlos Garavaglia (Greco) associate and create MICHEL & GRECO MAGIC PRODS. S.R.L. That same year, they acquired VERNET. Prior to the purchase, Michel and Greco, along with their professional work as magicians, wrote original monographic books on classical effects ("The Magic Lesson", "The Wallet Himber", to name a few) and manufactured and imported some effects that, Then sold on the domestic market. Over time, they came up with the possibility of buying the company and they did. What they acquired was a series of injection molds, a stock of merchandise in process and, fundamentally, the brand and the prestige. Its task was, therefore, to maintain and increase the reputation of so many years. And they did. Over the years, Michel and Greco achieved a total re-foundation of the company. A refoundation that meant the renewal of the image, an international repositioning of the brand, a remarkable improvement in the products and, above all, the incorporation of dozens of new effects and accessories. Little by little, the new Vernet was working with the best specialists and renewing their injection molds. Year after year they improved the classic products and, above all, they incorporated dozens of new tricks to their catalog that, in these days, already duplicates the original. More and more tricks and gimmicks for Mentalism, Comic Magic, Cartomagia, Salon Magic, Fence Magic, Manipulation. Always, with the same quality and reputation. Vernet Magic has almost completely renewed the packaging and instructions. In this sense, he has thought of the best way to present the product, also making sure that each of the explanations is not only clear and interesting, but also useful for the amateur and professional magician. From the Michel & Greco society, Vernet Magic participated in all FISM congresses and countless international conferences in France, Germany, the United States, Canada, Italy and Latin America. In the same way, the new Vernet, has been appearing month by month, for more than ten years, in the magazines magazines most important and largest in the world. The company was renewed but without losing the original enthusiasm and passion; Without losing the quality, the reputation and the desire to continue growing, the same as infused Roberto Vergonjeanne ... or as everyone knew: VERNET.
