All of my collectables are special, and the vast majority have been collected in person when I approach artists. Each piece has its own story and special memory that I want to share. In this occasional new series of blog posts, I’ll delve into my collectables, the stories behind them, and the special moments they’ve brought me.
The actual interactions with artists are often just as meaningful and memorable as the signed collectables. This week, I’m sharing some of my favourite photos and selfies from my collection of around 150.
Craig Petty
The bad boy of magic is a true gent. Just don’t tell anyone the truth! Shhh! Craig has always taken time to chat with me at different conventions and has always been very approachable. If you want to say hello to him, as he always says, do approach him.
I have gained a couple of photos with him over the years and this IBM taken photo is quite a decent one. He has also signed a playing card for me a couple of years back. On the list as the bad boy of magic is a decent chap and he always listens to you.
Oberon/Jesson and Jones Ensemble
This has to be a favourite photo, and I’ve shared it before in this series. Taken in Rugby, it’s a rare opportunity to capture meeting these three great artists together.
While I have seen Alex and Richard perform a number of times, it was a first time to see the amazing Marc Oberon perform. A special photo to own that was taken in Rugby in 2024 after the Masters Of Deception show.
Richard Cadell
Richard is a member of the same magic club as me (IBM British Ring) which he fully supports.
The first selfie I took is memorable because I got to take it at BMC 2023. As well as Richard, the photo features Stephen Mulhern. Both of them were very accommodating, and it’s hard not to feel for them. They’re two well-known personalities who likely put up with many interruptions from people like me wanting to speak with them at conventions.
Then my picture with Sooty and Richard was at Llandudno in 2024 at the IBM convention. At this convention I was also able to get a signed Sooty and Sweep from Richard (and playing card) which are favourite collectables of mine.
Penn Jillette
A couple of years ago, when I was visiting London to see Penn & Teller, I spotted Penn near the theatre. He had just left a restaurant and walking in a shopping centre. I asked him for a selfie, and it was a special and memorable moment to have a photo with magic royalty. Though a brief exchange as it was only a matter of about an hour before he would be performing. An expected opportunity and I was lucky to see the show. I am booked to see him again next year when he performs in the Piff and Pop show.
Steven Frayne
And talking of magic royalty… when Steven performed this year in London, I was lucky to see his show close up. He hangs back to meet everyone and I was able to get these amazing selfies. A brief but very memorable meeting and he also signed a card for me.
Mandy Muden
Mandy Muden is always a favourite artist of mine. I previously shared my collection of Mandy Muden collectibles and memories, so please take a look at that post (here).
Prior to this photo we were able to have a little chat and while brief, it still holds memories to this day.
Tom Elderfield and Joel M
This photo was taken shortly after both Tom and Joel had made high-profile TV appearances. Tom had been on The Traitors, while Joel had recently started presenting Blue Peter. Joel had been filming for Blue Peter at BMC in 2023 and I had a decent amount of time chatting as they were very friendly. We discussed cats, The Traitors, Blue Peter, and even a Sky TV magic show they had both appeared in. Thanks both!
Aaron Crow
I first met Aaron at BMC in 2023, and we quickly took a brief selfie. It was clear that Aaron is a true gentleman and showman.
Last year, at the 2024 IBM convention, Aaron was booked to perform at the gala show. As a steward, I was able to greet him upon his arrival, assist him, and even sit on tub chairs with him for a 5 minute chat. It was a brilliant magical highlight of my time with an artist of this calibre.
