I attended my first show since March 2020 this weekend with a Sunday morning visit to the London Film Convention. This long running event has a decidedly different feel to the standard comic cons with a focus on early TV and film memorabilia such as original posters and press stills with no Funko pops or Star Wars figures in sight. This means a decidedly older clientele as well who are always quick to recommend forgotten films of yesteryear while you share a queue. These are never the busiest events and attendance seemed roughly the same as pre-pandemic.

For those interested in COVID restrictions, abundant signage urged attendees to wear a face covering at all times, although this was not enforced and only observed by about 50% of attendees. Guest assistants all wore masks and were not allowed to take customer’s cameras to assist with taking photos. The guests I saw were not wearing masks and were happy to use my pens and take table selfies without masks, although I heard this was not the case with all guests. I did not attend any photoshoots so I am not sure what restrictions were in place at those.

There were only three Star Wars guests at the show, all added fairly last minute. The first one I visited was Derek Lyons, one of the Yavin medal bearers from ANH, as well as a Rebel Honour Guard. Derek can be a colorful character on social media so I was not sure what to expect visiting his table but I am happy to report he was a delight. He took his time with each of my items, signing where I asked and then paused to share a short story about each scene. His only eccentricity in signing was to insist on signing as THE Medal Bearer rather than just Medal Bearer. Sometimes you have to just roll with it. As well as Star Wars I had items for him from Indiana Jones and Flash Gordon and he happily talked about all three, with Flash getting him particularly animated.

Next up was Mike Edmonds who I wanted on a piece from Time Bandits. Mike is always a delight to meet and this was no exception. I told him how much I had enjoyed the film made about his life when it screened online last year. With trademark humbleness he said he was still amazed anyone wanted to hear him talk about himself. A lovely guy.

Last up was Paul Jerricho, who played an AT-AT Driver in The Empire Strikes Back. I was helping my friend Jeff with his signature on a piece and he was again very pleasant and professional.

A word on prices, Paul was only £10, while Derek and Mike were £15 per item which is significantly cheaper than they are elsewhere. It is great to see Showmasters keeping prices low post pandemic.

All in all this was a fun, easy return to shows. It was great to chat to Richard and other collector friends in person again and come home with some fresh ink. 

To learn more about London Film Fair, visit their website HERE and their Facebook page HERE.

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