Collecting Coronation Street: Props

It seems like an absolute age since my first instalment in my Collecting Coronation Street posts, where I spoke about cast autographs and how they make up a bulk of my Coronation Street memorabilia collection. As I said before, the majority of you are probably unaware of my Coronation Street Collection, which is the collective name for what started as a few small bits and pieces from across the show's history and has since morphed into a whole house full of archive Corrie props, costumes and more.

For me, the closure of Granada Studios was an absolute blessing, as there was a sudden influx of items being flogged on eBay that had been left behind by the Coronation Street crew as they were now considered worthless to be kept in the prop store at the new MediaCity Studios. It's always a shame to think that many props are probably discarded on a regular basis, but always rest assuring if they fall into my hands!

One of my favourite pieces - Blanche's funeral plaque

Another time when props show up on eBay is when they've been donated to charity auctions by the production team. Often pricey, but always worth it (as the money is going to a good cause), that's how I've obtained some of my best pieces, such as a painting of Nick Tilsley drawn in show by Hayley, and signed by Julie Hesmondhalgh. I've also bought a copy of The Weatherfield Gazette, from the time when Ken was opposing Peter's plans to open The Joinery (déjà vu?) which is signed by both Bill Roache and Chris Gasgoine.

I'd wanted a Roys Rolls table mat for a while, when suddenly one signed
by David Neilson and Julie Hesmondhalgh appeared on eBay and I
snapped it up!

When it comes to obtaining props, there's always a few difficulties regarding authenticity. I've found on a number of occasions that people try and sell the replica props that were included in the Coronation Street Treasures book (which is a great read none the less and definitely worth picking up). Whilst these replicas all look authentic and include letters from Richard Hillman, Roy's passport photos and a card from Des Barnes' funeral flowers, they were made in mass numbers for purposes of the book. I've seen many eBay users claim these are real, and sell them on for ridiculous prices!

I absolutely adore this painting of Nick Tisley that I purchased
in a charity auction on eBay, but can't find the episode anywhere!

Props that I buy tend to come in all shapes and sizes, from as small as a Rovers beermat to as big as Carla and Frank's wedding seating plan, but always a worthy part of my collection. They're often so personal and each have their own little story behind them. It's just a shame more props didn't show up on eBay as I'd love to add more to my collection. Perhaps a sofa? 

You can follow me on Twitter @MichaelAdamsUk, and also on my collection Twitter account @CStCollection.

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Collecting Coronation Street: Autographs

I've always found autographs to be quite unusual. I myself have a great deal of them, whether it be from soap stars to actors, presenters to journalists. But when you think of it - they're just little bits of card with a person's face on, scribbled over with their name. Certainly nothing exciting or fun – you can't even do much with them other than put them in an album or frame them.

Having said that though, autographs are a vital part of my Coronation Street Collection. If you didn't know already through following my Twitter or the Corrie Collection Twitter, I have an awful lot of Coronation Street memorabilia, and when it comes to autographs, I literally have hundreds of them! So much so that when they're arriving through the post each week I simply do not have the time to update them all onto my Collection website.

A number of the newer autographs in my collection. 

Now the biggest problem when collecting autographs is almost definitely the authenticity - especially when buying through online auction sites such as eBay. I'm always so wary when purchasing autographs that do not explicitly say whether they are authentic or printed. I see almost no value in a printed autograph, though sadly for older castcards a printed autograph is all that you can find. There are also a great deal of forgeries online, though unless you have a great deal of expertise in this there are no ways to avoid it. The only real way to know that you have the actor's autograph is by writing to them directly.

Since the show's inception, the offices at Granada and ITV have issued preprinted autograph cards at request. For some autograph collectors, the notion of receiving many cards in bulk (albeit printed) is thrilling, especially for collectors who can't stand to write to each individual cast member or wait time for them to receive and respond to their letter.

Classic castcards and letters in my collection. 

Personally, when obtaining autographs I prefer to write to the actors/actresses direct. I often find that you get a more personalised response. I once got a lovey letter from Sue Nicholls who plays Audrey thanking me for my letter and wishing me a Happy Christmas. If writing isn't your thing, there are literally hundreds of eBay auctions listing autographed cards individually, or as bundles.

If you'd like to write to the cast to get an autograph yourself, send your letter alongside a stamped self-addressed envelope to:

Actor's name
c/o ITV Coronation Street
Trafford Wharf Road
Stretford
Greater Manchester
M17 1AU
UK

Please allow some time for an actor to respond - always remember that their schedule is so hectic and given the popularity of our favourite show, tonnes of letters will come flooding through the gate at ITV each week.

This is just the first of my 'Collecting Coronation Street' blogs, please let me know what aspect of my collection you'd like to see me cover next.

Keep track on my Corrie Collection over at @CStCollection on Twitter, or follow me @MichaelAdamsUk. 

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