Our Guide to Collecting Autographs

Collecting autographs has long been one of the most enduring forms of historical and cultural collecting. From political leaders and pioneering scientists to Hollywood stars and music legends, autographs offer a tangible connection to influential figures and events. The appetite for this category continues to grow, with collectors eager to own everything from a letter signed by Winston Churchill to an original Walt Disney animation cel.

Walt Disney Production - Dopey, original animation cel from Snow White, 1937. Sold for £600. Autographs & Memorabilia, 28 January 2020.

Despite today’s obsession with selfies and digital interactions, the autograph holds a unique sense of intimacy. A signed item is more than just a signature – it marks a moment of interaction and intent. Whether it’s a wartime appointment signed by Oliver Cromwell or a photograph inscribed by Her Late Majesty The Queen, these items are often viewed as fragments of history, carrying with them the personality of the signer through their handwriting, spelling, and even the texture of the paper.

Lot 346. Churchill (Winston) vintage black and white, head and shoulders photograph by Vivienne of Winston Churchill. Sold for £1,500. Books & Works on Paper including Autographs & Memorabilia, 31 March 2020.

When it comes to value, several key factors come into play. First, the significance of the individual is paramount. A signature by a monarch or pioneering scientist will typically command higher prices than that of a lesser-known figure. Rarity also plays a major role – for example, while many signatures exist from public figures such as Richard Nixon, a genuine James Dean autograph is incredibly scarce due to his untimely death at just 24 years old.

Equally, the format of the item matters. A signed record sleeve by a musician is often more desirable than a signed slip of paper. For royalty and historical figures, cabinet cards or signed portraits are more valuable than letters. The timing of the signature is also vital – a letter from Edward VIII during his brief reign is significantly more valuable than one written while he was still Prince of Wales.

Lot 208. Aladdin Sane Record signed by David Bowie. Sold for £1625. Autographs & Memorabilia, October 2019.

Collectors are encouraged to focus their efforts around a particular theme or passion – this could be 1960s music icons, wartime political figures or even correspondence from a specific region or period. This not only creates cohesion in a collection but also allows a personal story to emerge over time as key items are sourced and acquired.

Lot 358. Collection of letters by important English clergymen and preachers of the 17th, 18th and 19th century, including Matthew Henry. Sold for £5,250. Books & Works on Paper including Autographs & Memorabilia, 31 March 2020.

With the growth of the autograph market, collectors have become increasingly discerning. Provenance and authenticity are now central considerations. Items with clear, traceable histories or those accompanied by certificates from recognised experts are much more likely to attract interest and hold their value. The days of easily passing off forgeries have long gone – seasoned collectors can spot inconsistencies in handwriting, ink, or paper quality with ease.

If you have an autograph, signed document or piece of memorabilia you would like valued — or are interested in starting or expanding your collection — please get in touch with Valentina Borghi, Head of Autographs & Memorabilia, for a free and confidential valuation. You can also submit images and details through our Online Valuation Form.

We welcome consignments for upcoming sales and are the only London auction house with a dedicated department for Autographs & Memorabilia, covering everything from political history and literature to music and film.