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RR Auction: The Tom Gregory Auction

The finest compendium of Hollywood signed photographs ever assembled

Tom Gregory Collection at RRAuction.com

Far from Hollywood, Tom Gregory found his first stars in an old house in the rural marshland community of Dividing Creek, New Jersey. Searching for a peaceful life, his grandmother had just moved downstate from the urban blight of Camden to ‘the Creek.’ Four-year-old Tom was excitedly exploring the cavernous house when he discovered a small box that had been left behind in a utility closet by the former owner. It was filled with early Hollywood glamour portraits. While not all were signed, one particular photo autographed by actress Dorothy Lamour seared an indelible impression on the wide-eyed little boy.

Twenty years later, starstruck from a lifetime of afternoon films and late-night movies, Tom made his way west in his ’72 Impala. By the time he reached LA—with cars whizzing by like a classic film noir flick—Tom knew he was home. Working on the periphery of the entertainment business, he saved for, honed, and built his collection. Through trial, error, and patience, he identified reputable dealers, pouncing upon only the very best example of each star.

A bit of a celebrity in his own right, Tom has amassed a collection that can accurately be deemed ‘world class.’ From the silent age to the sixties, this entirely photographic assortment of silver screen and television legends features a who’s who of dapper leading men, glamorous starlets, and offbeat character actors. The spotlight shines behind-the-scenes as well, featuring no shortage of influential producers, infamous directors, and ingenious screenwriters.

Obscure and sought-after signatures aside, the historic qualities of the photographs themselves are unique selling points. The evolution of the Hollywood Glamour shot is evident throughout this expansive collection. Among many influential photographers featured in this compendium are Clarence Sinclair Bull, Ruth Harriet Louise, Eugene Robert Richee, Frank S. Hoover, and Elmer Fryer. This offering not only represents many of the earliest and most important studios and operatives, but the photos curated here represent those that turned ordinary studio contract players into Hollywood stars, illustrious luminaries, and unfading legends.Tom Gregory Collection

Tags: Auction, Gregory, RR, Tom

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Comment by Eric Keith Longo on December 14, 2016 at 4:57pm: Hello again,

I too would appreciate your comments as Paul asked, and also your comments on "why" with regard to quality as well as the performance achieved. Thank you.

Comment by Eric Keith Longo on December 14, 2016 at 4:58pm: Hi Paul,

The first comment here by Tom might answer your question?

Comment by Steve Zarelli on December 14, 2016 at 4:59pm: Tom answered the "why" question in an earlier post:

the reason I am selling this is that finally, at fifty-six years of age- I am settled. I live in LA and NYC and WILL NEVER MOVE. Both these homes have too much light to responsibly display photos - they've been in boxes since ..forever...so it's time to pass them along. I am keeping the items that I currently do have on my walls -- it's just that there is no more "dark space" in at my homes. It's a tough call, and I gotta tell you,

Comment by Paul on December 14, 2016 at 4:59pm: Ok.

Comment by Tom Gregory on December 14, 2016 at 5:00pm: I Live in LA and NYC and both places get far too much light to hang photos. At 56 I'm finally at a point where I know I am going to stay put. I used to have a much larger house with some great darker rooms, but I tired of that, and now I live on top of the hill and in a Penthouse so I simply have no place for them. Most have been in boxes since 2007-ish. I just decided - it's time By the way, I have kept some which do hang in hallway and a powder room without windows. As a collector I've been very careful about sunlight. My job has only been to curate then be a steward of this collection.

Comment by Tom Gregory on December 14, 2016 at 5:03pm: You guys are great. I'll answer any questions you might have

Comment by Eric Keith Longo on December 14, 2016 at 5:13pm: I have a starter question, Tom. Given a hypothetical choice between your Lugosi signed "Count Dracula" and the same photo in the same condition but signed "Count Dracula Bela Lugosi", which would you prefer and why?

Comment by Tom Gregory on December 14, 2016 at 5:59pm: Eric - What a question. I've never seen another inscribed with DRACULA. Two schools of thought:

One is that without his real name Lugosi was demonstratively saying he IS Dracula. With both names he is saying he PLAYED Dracula. I like it without the actor's name - as long as it can be proven as authentic.

The second point though is that since there are many more exemplars of Lugosi signing his real name, certainly with that signature in addition it would be easier to authenticate.

Comment by Eric Keith Longo on December 14, 2016 at 7:40pm: Hi Tom,

Thank you for answering. Never saw another either. We are of the same mind here. Apart from being easier to authenticate, I also prefer just the character name for the very reason you stated.

Comment by Pete Bendu on December 14, 2016 at 8:22pm: Tom,

I noticed you seem to have focused on vintage Hollywood with only a handful of 1960's pieces represented in the auction. Did you make a conscious choice not to collect anything from the 1970's? The main reason I ask is the focus of my collection has been the 1970's to present, and I would love to know if you possibly had other pieces that may yet go to auction? I am still searching for the ever elusive Al Lettieri. The quality of the material you have offered is just amazing, I wish you the best of luck.