Collecting Coronation Street: Props

(This post was originally posted by Michael Adams on the Coronation Street Blog in March 2017, reposted to this blog with permission.)

It seems like an absolute age since my first instalment in my Collecting Coronation Street posts, where I spoke about cast autographs and how they make up a bulk of my Coronation Street memorabilia collection. As I said before, the majority of you are probably unaware of my Coronation Street Collection, which is the collective name for what started as a few small bits and pieces from across the show's history and has since morphed into a whole house full of archive Corrie props, costumes and more.

For me, the closure of Granada Studios was an absolute blessing, as there was a sudden influx of items being flogged on eBay that had been left behind by the Coronation Street crew as they were now considered worthless to be kept in the prop store at the new MediaCity Studios. It's always a shame to think that many props are probably discarded on a regular basis, but always rest assuring if they fall into my hands!

One of my favourite pieces - Blanche's funeral plaque

Another time when props show up on eBay is when they've been donated to charity auctions by the production team. Often pricey, but always worth it (as the money is going to a good cause), that's how I've obtained some of my best pieces, such as a painting of Nick Tilsley drawn in show by Hayley, and signed by Julie Hesmondhalgh. I've also bought a copy of The Weatherfield Gazette, from the time when Ken was opposing Peter's plans to open The Joinery (déjà vu?) which is signed by both Bill Roache and Chris Gasgoine.

I'd wanted a Roys Rolls table mat for a while, when suddenly one signed
by David Neilson and Julie Hesmondhalgh appeared on eBay and I
snapped it up!

When it comes to obtaining props, there's always a few difficulties regarding authenticity. I've found on a number of occasions that people try and sell the replica props that were included in the Coronation Street Treasures book (which is a great read none the less and definitely worth picking up). Whilst these replicas all look authentic and include letters from Richard Hillman, Roy's passport photos and a card from Des Barnes' funeral flowers, they were made in mass numbers for purposes of the book. I've seen many eBay users claim these are real, and sell them on for ridiculous prices!

I absolutely adore this painting of Nick Tisley that I purchased
in a charity auction on eBay, but can't find the episode anywhere!

Props that I buy tend to come in all shapes and sizes, from as small as a Rovers beermat to as big as Carla and Frank's wedding seating plan, but always a worthy part of my collection. They're often so personal and each have their own little story behind them. It's just a shame more props didn't show up on eBay as I'd love to add more to my collection. Perhaps a sofa? 

You can follow me on Twitter @MichaelAdamsUk, and also on my collection Twitter account @CStCollection.

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Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Studying Coronation Street? Have a look at this!

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog March 2017, reposted to this blog with permission.)

I've just come across a rather remarkable bit of educational paraphenalia, the likes of which Ken Barlow would be happy to know about.

It's for sale on eBay and it's called "Teaching Coronation Street". It's a 1983 publication by BFI (British Film Industry) Education.

It's is a teaching pack containing over 80 pages of notes towards teaching about Coronation Street. It's intended for use with upper secondary to undergraduate classes in the UK.

Published by the Education Department of the British Film Institute in 1983 it provides access to the debate about the central role this long-running serial plays in the history of British TV up to that point.

The publication includes a set of film cells, in monochrome and colour, with images from programmes analysed among classroom exercises and notes on key examples, including those produced by (ex-Corrie producer) Suzi Hush.

There are copies of newspaper articles on key moments in the series and concludes with a list of further teaching resources.

You can bid to win it on eBay here.

And if this kind of academic interest in Coronation Street is up your, er, street, you might like to have a look at the Academic Reference section of Corrie.net too.

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Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Corrie memorabilia found by fan

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog June 2015, reposted to this blog with permission.)

Coronation Street fan Martyn Hett is the creator of The Audrey Roberts Noise.  He's also had an iconic image of Deirdre Barlow tattooed on his leg

Martyn has given us permission here on the Blog to share with fans these amazing pictures.  The pictures have come from a friend of Martyn's mum who's father recently passed away - and he used to work on set design for Coronation Street.

 

This photograph of the cast attending a party(?), Martyn thinks might be from 1986. Look how glamorous Eileen Derbyshire is in this one.

 This picture is the front of an invitation to attend Coronation Street's 16th anniversary party in 1976.

And this is the reverse side of the invitation.. RSVP to Bill Podmore, who was then the Coronation Street producer.

What amazing Corrie memorabilia this is. Thankyou so much to @martynhett for sharing it with us.



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Coronation Street cook book from 1963 up for sale

There's a lovely old piece of Coronation Street memorabilia for sale on eBay. Indeed, it's something I've never seen before.  I have seen a Coronation Street cook-book for sale, but never this one.  It's from 1963 and it's not a book as such, it's a pull-out from Woman magazine, but still appears to be in very good condition.

There are teasers on the front of the pull-out for recipes inside, including Sunday tea at the vestry with Minnie, Martha and Ena and savoury potted meat; Valerie's Lancashire Hot Pot at the Barlows'; a candlit supper with Elsie Tanner followed by Coffee Chiffon (Coffee Chiffon?) and the less appleaing Florrie Lindley's kidney supper.

What a treat. Bid to win it here.



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Corrie in unexpected places

(This post was originally posted by me on the Coronation Street Blog in May, 2011.)

I've been on holiday to the U.K. and came across two different references to Coronation Street. One was in Manchester and yes, you might expect to encounter Corrie items and glimpses in the home city for the show but it's still fun to find them. It's like a treasure hunt! Find out what it is and where I found it here.

The other, seen in this photo was seen at the Doctor Who Experience in London. Even if the ducks weren't meant to refer to Coronation Street, who doesn't think of Hilda Ogden when they see them?