“A Dose of Nostalgia”
As Christmas approached and a new decade beckoned it appears that we were yearning for days gone by;
TV and Film stars from a bygone era dominate the December chart, with new entries from old performers Cilla Black and Norman Wisdom and political stalwart Margaret (Maggie) Thatcher.
With snow flurries whipping the windows and sheets of ice covering roads and pathways, many of us will have snuggled up in front of a classic movie, nursing a glass of something warming – I know I did!
Christmas is a time for old movies, old friends and memories of times past. It doesn’t surprise me at all that this nostalgia is reflected in our December index.
So let’s take a look at who makes our list this month…
The Fraser’s Top 30 Selling Autographs – December 2009
You can view this month’s index below.
Click on the personality name above to view our stock range
All change at the top
After two months of no-change in our top 5, only Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney held fast, with Johnny Depp dropping one place to number 4 this month.
This 10x8 signed photo features
Johnny Depp in his starring role as Willy Wonka in the 2005 remake of the classic family film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The film, whether starring Johnny Depp or Gene Wilder, always conjures memories of a happy childhood and an abundance of Christmas chocolate!
George Harrison and Millvina Dean also made the top five this month, rising five places and two places respectively.
The ‘quiet Beatle’ hung around with the Quarrymen for several years before finally being accepted as a full band member.
Having been school pals with Paul McCartney it’s great to see them together in the top five.
Rising Star
This month we have a couple of rising stars, each moving up 10 places since our November index.
Trailing each other up the chart, original guitarist and vocalist for the Tremeloes, Brian Poole is in at number 18 with Michael Caine residing at 17.
Born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, Michael Caine shot to fame in his first starring role as Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead in the 1964 film, ‘Zulu’.
Directed by the blacklisted American screenwriter, Cy Endfield, Zulu received highly positive reviews from critics.
More recently the film was voted 8th in a British TV programme charting the 100 greatest war films and ranked 37th Greatest British Movie of All Time by Total Film magazine.
There’s nothing like an old classic over Christmas and Zulu, despite being historically inaccurate, is one of the greats.
This signed photo captures one of Britain’s greatest and most prolific actors in a contemplative pose. A beautifully evocative image signed boldly in black felt ink.
New entries
The multi-talented Norman Wisdom is back in the chart this month at number 21.
Norman’s stage career began with his playing the straight man to magician David Nixon, where he first adopted the suit and skewed flat cap that would become his signature.
By 1948 Norman Wisdom was a star of both stage and television, dubbed ‘(my) favourite clown’ by Charlie Chaplin. Now that’s an accolade!
The great man’s films were some of the biggest box office hits of their day. British comedian Lee Evans has since picked up the slapstick baton and is enjoying the same success as his predecessor. It seems that gentle, self deprecating comedy never goes out of fashion...
Effervescent performer, Cilla Black also appears in our December index at number 25. A regular at Liverpool’s Cavern Club like our two Beatles higher up the chart, Cilla’s journey to fame began with the release of her single ‘Love of the Loved’- a song given to her by John Lennon and Paul McCartney- Small world huh!
Last, but by no means least, the beacon of stoicism,
Margaret Thatcher appears in our chart at number 27.
Dubbed the ‘Iron Lady’ for her scathing attack on the Soviet Union during a speech in January 1976, Maggie will always be remembered for her condescending tone and unbending nature.
This book charts her experiences both in and out of office as well as presenting her thoughts on world politics and her suggestions on what she believes should be done.
A fascinating read from the iron lady of politics, with opinions formed from first hand experiences, signed across the opening pages in blue ink.
The star of 2009
The one-gloved, king of pop, Michael Jackson takes the top spot for 2009.
It was to be a big year for Jackson with his ‘This is it’ comeback tour due to run for several months. Sadly it was not to be.
With Jackson’s passing in June 2009, millions of fans were left mourning; both the loss of a hero and the subsequent cancellation of the tour.
Michael Jackson memorabilia has soared in price since his death and is becoming increasingly rare. His rhinestone glove sold at an auction in Hong Kong in November 2009 for a staggering £212k and a pair of mere loafers; for £23k at Bonham’s in December.
We are pleased to announce that we are stockists of the Official Michael Jackson Opus (much coveted around the office!)
The Opus boasts over 300 spectacular photographs, many rare and previously unpublished, by some of the world’s greatest photographers, including Matthew Rolston, Herb Ritts, Neal Preston, Henry Dilkes, Jim Britt, Harrison Funk, Harry Benson and Steve Whitsitt.
The Opus also showcases artworks by Nate Giorgio and David Nordahl which were privately commissioned by Michael himself.
The complete Opus book – weighing in at over 11kg and measuring 1ft 7inches x 2ft 8 inches, is excellent value and a must have for any Michael Jackson fan.
Buyers of the Opus will also be sent a membership card allowing them to enjoy exclusive online content through ‘Opus Reality’.
Click here for more Michael Jackson memorabilia.
2009 has been an interesting year; Barack Obama was sworn into office as the first black president of the USA; the King of Pop passed away; the Icelandic government and banking system collapsed and the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 took place in Copenhagen… What a year!
If you want to grab a little piece of history there are 3 easy ways to order:
- Order online at www.frasersautographs.com
- Call me on 01481 708270
- E-mail me your order at mshute@stanleygibbons.co.uk
Sincerely,
Melanie Shute
PA to Mike Hall, Chief Executive
The Stanley Gibbons Group
P.S. Many items from the top selling personalities of 2009 are now on sale with up to 35% discount!
Click here to see our great offers on the top personalities of 2009. Offers end 31st January 2010.