Pete Price recalls his first hobby: collecting cigarette cards from his mother's packs, unaware of the tobacco industry's marketing strategy. The cards featured film stars, sports heroes, and nature scenes, encouraging repeat purchases and brand loyalty. At school, children traded cards in a culture of 'swapsies.'
From Autograph Books to Celebrity Encounters
Price's mother bought him an autograph book, but lacking famous contacts, he had friends sign it. His first celebrity autograph came from Wilfred Pickles, known for the catchphrase 'Give him the money, Mabel!' on BBC's Have a Go.
Memorabilia Market Values
A listener sold his autograph collection for £28,000 about 15 years ago and regretted it. Another left Price a journal of Lee Van Cleef memorabilia. Today, star spotting is popular, aided by smartphones and conventions like Comic-Con. Some collectors have turned it into a full-time job, especially with soccer memorabilia, though items are harder to acquire as players become aware. Notable prices include a signed Marilyn Monroe photo at £50,000 and a Beatles autograph upwards of £7,000.
