| ody"> | | | | they can inspire, just by having done the things |
| Signatures of a famous people used to be a niche | | | | they’ve done, others to make themselves |
| market — a collectable, gathered by film | | | | the best that they can be. No wonder the |
| star obsessive’s on the long stretches of | | | | celebrity culture is so huge: and no wonder, then, |
| carpet outside theatres. Now, though, with | | | | that celebrity autographs continue to be treated |
| celebrity a household word, autographs are big | | | | as treasured rarities even though they are |
| business. Stars and starlets from every walk of | | | | technically extremely commonplace. A celebrity |
| stage, screen and sporting endeavour expect to | | | | signature is much more than just an autograph |
| spend some time signing photographs, bits of | | | | — it’s tangible, provable evidence |
| sports kit and general memorabilia. It’s part | | | | that these people really do exist: that |
| of the job of being famous. | | | | they’re not, somehow, just myth. For a |
| Autographs signed by, Al Pacino, Ingrid Bergman a | | | | true fan, ownership of a genuine signature is like |
| modern pop star or sporting legend gives an | | | | being party to a vision. The signature is proof that |
| undeniable thrill to the collector. These people have | | | | the adored singer, or sports person, or actress, |
| the ability and power to enrich hundreds of | | | | or whoever, is real — that he, or she, too, |
| thousands of lives just by being who they are. | | | | is just like us. That’s not a devaluation at |
| They can make the loneliest fan feel loved; and | | | | all: far from it. |
