Laurel and Hardy and the Sons of the Desert are at the heart of Bowler Dessert magazine and Bowler Dessert Online

Dealing with Dickinson

On Dickinson's Real Deal (ITV, 14.09.11.) a lady's mother (Jean) brought along an autograph book with many other stars including, of most importance, Laurel and Hardy. This woman's mother started collecting autographs in the 1950s. The autograph page has a vignette sticker (of Laurel and Hardy) but, most unusually, the page is also given provenance by a signature by Laurel and Hardy's then manager, which says, "God Bless, Gordon Grays". I must confess in all my 56 books I had yet to come across this gentleman. I hope this doesn't mean this is a fake. I've never heard of him, but if other Sons have info let me know. The autograph is probably taken backstage at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton or the Birmingham Hippodrome. Dealer Alison secured the book for £200 without commission deducted. Peter Andrews Interesting to see yet another Laurel and Hardy autograph appearance on Dickinson's Real Deal. . . and yet again they seem to have been fooled by what was presented. If anyone hasn't seen it, it's available on ITV-Player about 14 minutes in. The other autograph is most definitely not from their manager. . . as we all know they weren't managed except maybe by their wives! It's not Gordon Grays as the lady seller believes - but it's. . . Gordon Craig! He was an actor employed to support Laurel and Hardy in the Birds of a Feather sketch for their 1953/4 tour. There's a letter dated 22nd September, 1953 in the superb Letters From Stan archive, where Stan and Ollie actually engage Gordon Craig for the run, commencing in Dublin. I find it quite amazing that the dealer, Dickinson and the auctioneer readily accepted authenticity based on the word of the seller, particularly with respect to the claim that the "manager" had countersigned the Laurel and Hardy autographs! The autographs, though, are quite authentic and indeed quite special with the Gordon Craig autograph. At £200 the dealer certainly got a good deal. However, in previous episodes of the dealers have had very much a raw deal by being fooled by Laurel and Hardy rubber stamps and, quite recently, by a pre-printed signed photo from Bolton. . . all believing they were genuine. So, as per usual, "Buyer beware" when buying Laurel and Hardy autographs.   In the letter I've attached below, note how Stan seems to mixes up Gordon's surname with his Christian name! You wouldn't want to do that if he was your manager. Doh! Dave Tomlinson