Hi everyone…
I'm hoping to get some advice regarding a signature that is part of a multi signed piece. I have been searching for a Morgan Paull signature on an index card for some time now to complete my Blade Runner project. I have struggled to find a clear signature and managed to pick up an example on an old theatre program. Unfortunately the signature is over some print on the program with another signature in close proximity.
I have found one index card example online for sale but there’s a lot of text with a small cramped signature at the very bottom. The text would draw attention away from the signature.
I know clipping signatures is questionable but I cannot find another example of a decent size. All of my other signatures in the collection are index cards with good size and placement. I could omit Paull altogether but I have managed to get other rarer signers and I think it would be a shame to give up and end up with an incomplete piece.
Any help would be appreciated.
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Imagine a collector like yourself, same passion, but he is looking for an uncut example to mat creatively. "Why cut away context etc."? he thinks.
Imagine a collector like yourself, same passion but for one of the other actors in your scenarios (theoretical). He cuts away the Morgan Paul. Creative mat. No, I'll cut. "Why not?" he thinks.
A creative mat would allow either piece to potentially wind up in your hands. If that one collector cuts, your chances go down 50%.
Perhaps you will consider a creative mat?
Rare or obscure? If I want a 1940's Gleason signature (rare) I know at the outset I will be most likely getting a signed album page, quite possibly in pencil if on a slip in a Playbill. To look for an index card would be truly limiting - I have seen one in 6 years. It is just as likely I will find a signed Playbill or wine list that has other signers on it. Do I cut and create another yet another loose dateless Gleason from as playbill with a date, or do I keep the item original?
There is only one choice there that will remove value.
How often do we see cutting as beneficial in this place? And not? These are my thoughts on this. YMMV.
Eric
I am unfamiliar with both signers, but if Paull is truly rare and Gene Raymond is not, I don't think it's a crime to cut it.
Alternatively, your framer could mat the Paull without cutting the program... place the whole program behind the mat but just cut a window for the signature.
I am all for "preserving history" and collectors should be stewards of history. But you need to be realistic as well. If it's a program from a pedestrian play with other common signatures... it's hardly like you are cutting up the Magna Carta. Not every signed item is a historical relic. It's better to use the Paull signature in a way that honors it and pleases you than letting it sit on some program in a binder unappreciated.
In the future, I'd rather have this potentially rare and desirable signature on a playbill with a date and some slight measure of additional support compared to a loose slip of cut paper with incomplete now seemingly unrelated text.
Back in 1976, cutting a Richard Burton out of an Equus playbill was not a crime. Or way back in 1947 it was not a crime to cut a Vivien Leigh from an Old Vic program, but today the one to collect is obvious. I don't know this Morgan Paull. I just don't find cutting to be additive in any way, perhaps temporarily, but it is demonstrably subtractive.
Yesterday I typed "So, I collect what I like to my specs" or some such - but this never includes cutting anything up. I try, when I can, to buy the thing as I already want it. When I can't, I make concessions. I won't ask the item to, so to speak.
Many thanks Steve & Eric for taking a look at my post…much appreciated.
Looking at the item I feel that the printing behind the signature would be "jarring" to look at and would draw the eye. Also, cutting the signature might involve removing some of the paper within the loop where the ONS" is visible. I also think that matting over the signature would still result in something that could distract from the display as a whole.
Taking onboard both of your opinions I will probably wait in the hope a better example becomes available. I’m sure someone in the hobby will have something more suitable. I don’t think my obsession would allow me to omit the signature altogether. My vision has been a labour of love for many years and it would almost certainly feel incomplete to me.
cheers
Mark
Hi Mark,
You are welcome :-)
Can we see the other signed index card you mentioned?
Eric
Certainly…this is the only example I can find online. Lovely piece but it’s a shame the signature is cramped at the bottom of the index card. The inscription is lovely and I take nothing away from it but it fills most of the 5x3 card. It will probably be my only option and closest to what I want. Sadly Morgan Paull died many years ago so examples of his signature are rare.
Umm - this index card has him mentioning the film Blade Runner right in it...isn't that the film you are collecting? Size? Is that right too?
I thought this was far superior before I read it. I would buy this over the playbill every time.
I have never actually seen anything authentically signed by Gleason where he mentions The Honeymooners in any context. I would love to. Of course, it is a different signer etc.
I'd rethink this. How often have you seen better? The playbill?
Eric
To be honest I think I’ve become fixated on a vision of the perfect item that is probably unattainable. If the signer was still alive I would have options but I think my mind has been swayed by the fact that most of my other signatures are also signed index cards. They are all boldly signed, perfect placement and quite large. Majority are dead centre of the card and the only inscriptions are character names. Because I managed to obtain two of the more obscure signatures (Brion James & Hy Pyke) I presumed Paull would be reasonably common.
I agree that the index card will probably be my best shot at completing my project. I suppose in future if I come across something matching my expectations I can always swap it out.
cheers
Mark
Exactly. This card more than fits the bill as a place holder. It is an index card, it is the right size, signed, and it even mentions the film you are collecting by name - how much closer do you think you can get? For me - and others - it also has a lot of writing which only serves to assist in authentication.
Steve said to "be realistic" in another part of this conversation. I believe this is where you might want to be realistic. You may never find what you seek - perfection is usually not obtained. It is an idea(l) to me anyway. Knowing when to make a concession in your collecting criteria and when not to is part of the fun of this hobby. :-)
I totally agree and I’ll purchase the index card. Sometimes I need someone to tell me what deep down I already know lol.
Thankyou for taking the time to have a look Eric. I appreciate yours and Steve’s input & love to read your submissions here on the site. Your passion and insight is such a help to us all.
cheers
mark
Mark, I am very happy if I helped you decide. :-)
I believe you made the right choice. Just the lack of any need to cut and the fact it is an index card (correct size) had me sold, and the mention of your film...is just a cherry on top! Good luck and thank you for the kind words.
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