A show for the poster boys

The Batman boomerang, the Cliff Hanger jumper and the Tom Jones guitar are all original. And then there is this helmet from Easy Rider signed by Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson. They are all on display at Vindemia Art & Antique Gallery's Memorabilia, which promises to be a collector's treat.

"Autographed photos of actors and actresses, singers and even politicians are waiting to be seen and owned," said the owner and CEO of the gallery, Ghada Kunash. The gallery has about 20 posters of Pulp Fiction signed by the cast and about 80 posters and photographs of Hollywood stars such as Clark Gable and Julia Roberts, and artistes including Carlos Santana, Sting and Michael Jackson.

"Viewers might be surprised by the collection of reproductions autographed by actors and actresses, not to mention a collection of autographed Aficionado Cigar magazines, a collection of jukeboxes from the 1940s, long-playing, vinyl and bakelite records and a collection of gramophones, phonographs and radios from the 19th and early 20th centuries."

Kunash said Memorabilia is also bringing personalities who have loyal audiences in Dubai. The gallery, she added, had a collection of about 500 autographed posters of Hollywood celebrities. "We are showcasing the autographed posters of celebrities such as Charlize Theron, John Travolta, Al Pacino, Gene Hackman, Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson and Antonio Banderas. There will also be some Oscar memorabilia signed by the stars," she said.

"The good news for fans of pop icons is that they actually can paste autographed posters of the flamboyant Elvis Presley, pop legend Michael Jackson, the inimitable Sting, Sonny & Cher, the Sopranos, Celine Dion and Barbara Streisand in their homes. For pop enthusiasts, there is even a song sheet autographed by Elvis."

So, how did the collection originate? "It comes from different sources. For example, we have people who travel and follow celebrities to get their autographs. We got some items from other collectors around the world during our trips to collect antiques for the Vindemia gallery." And Memorabilia is not all about film and pop stars.

Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and Nixon are there as well. Posters of powerful world leaders and controversial politicians have been included for those who have an interest in politics and wish to obtain something authentic. "The exhibition will also showcase an exclusive collection of items associated with American presidents such as Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Nixon and Gerald Ford. One can also browse through old New York Times clippings of world leaders."

Memorabilia is part of Art Calendar 2009 and the third of five exhibitions. "We deal in antiques, art and collectibles. This exhibition is part of collectibles. These items are unique and indispensable to any collection," Kunash said.

 Vindemia Art & Antique Gallery's Memorabilia is on at the Aspen Café in Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, until November 16.