Powsey was among a number of similar professional high, trick and fancy daredevil divers who performed for crowds on piers and at fairgrounds throughout the UK in the early 20th century.

On 7 September 1880, at 14, he received a Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal for lifesaving as "A. E. Powsey, 'Boy, T S Cornwall" (case number 21075).

At the time of their marriage Powsey joined the staff of Marlborough College in Wiltshire for 10 years, and there evolved his high diving act.

Offered facilities at Brighton's West Pier, he left Herne Bay, leaving son Herbert to perform regularly there.

[7] From Brighton he then moved to Clacton-on-Sea, and then in 1908 to Southport Pier, where he performed three dives daily until 1936, apart from a two-year absence during which he made a world tour.

[15]'Real photo' postcards of Professor Powsey and contemporary stunt divers are bought, sold and collected to this day, and can be searched and found on online auctions or articles.