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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 Tom Gregory on December 12, 2016 at 9:11pm: Hello -- Well, well, well.... 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, the photos in this Hollywood Auction are a product of years of searching, working as a waiter thirty years ago at double shifts, and finally, when money gravitated toward me....curating!!

Comment by Eric Keith Longo on December 12, 2016 at 9:13pm: Hello,

It was a great pleasure looking at your collection. Your eye and the patience needed show clearly. Thank you!

Comment by Tom Gregory on December 12, 2016 at 9:35pm: Thanks Eric....honestly, thank you. There is a lot of sacrifice and stress inside this collection !

Comment by Eric Keith Longo on December 13, 2016 at 1:29am: It certainly is evident. The thing that stands out to me, apart from the truly incredible signatures, is the quality of the photographs which shows even across this screen.

Comment by Tom Gregory on December 13, 2016 at 1:11pm: Yes, the quality. It took years of patience, persistence, and finding dealers I could trust. Like I said, a lot of work/passion/money -- and mistakes built my collection.

Comment by Tom Gregory on December 14, 2016 at 4:38pm: So nervous about all this. Like selling my children. Well, maybe more like sending them off to college -- just PLEASE keep them out of the sun! :-)

Comment by Paul on December 14, 2016 at 4:43pm: Best of luck Tom!
Would it be possible to give us your opinion after the auction what you thought did very well and if any under achieved there value.

Comment by Tom Gregory on December 14, 2016 at 4:46pm: Sure...I'll comment back...Yes.....Of course.

Comment by Paul on December 14, 2016 at 4:48pm: That would be great for the collectors who collect music like myself and is following your auction.