THE REAL DEAL: Can I have your autograph?
Dominic and I began our extensive autograph collection back in the 1990’s, when we started travelling up and down the country to various training grounds, sports venues, theatres, and hotels to meet our idols.
Collecting autographs became a very exciting and interesting hobby as we met many celebrities from all around the world including legends such as Clint Eastwood, Julie Andrews, Bruce Springsteen, Paul MaCartney, Meryl Streep, Pele, Virginia Wade & Tiger Woods to more recent celebrities like Ed Sheeran, Wayne Rooney, Roger Federer, Adele, Sandra Bullock.
We had an amazing time overseas visiting some of the most fabulous places on earth like New York City, Las Vegas, Miami, Dubai, Barcelona, and Milan.
In the late 1990’s, early 2000’s, as our hobby increasingly demanded more of our time with a big demand for autographs, we decided to turn what started as a bit of fun into a business. Dominic had more of a passion for the film and music celebrities, while I was focused more on the sporting celebrities.
We both formed our own successful autograph companies and have worked side-by-side for over 20 years, becoming good friends in the process. In the mid 2000’s Dominic was the brainchild of AFTAL which has over 200 members worldwide, of which we are both approved lifetime members.
The “Autograph Fair Trade Association” ( AFTAL ) was formed by a group of acknowledged autograph dealers, with the intention of stamping out the market in fake items and ensuring that the customer is able to find dealers that they can trust. Inclusion in AFTAL is proof of each dealer’s commitment and professional competence.
Myself and Dominic have supported many charities and fundraising events over the years with our specialised Live & Silent Auction service that we decided to take our fundraising to the next level and formed Backdrop Promotions.
Backdrop Promotions take immense pride in supporting charities and have effectively spread awareness and helped raise £1000’s for many fabulous causes throughout the United Kingdom.
By Gary Grant