Good Memories Collecting Dust

by Laurence Carpenter

In the world of collecting, there comes a time when we must confront the inevitable question: when is the right time to let go? For some, it’s an ongoing process of buying, selling, and trading, with collections in a constant state of flux. Yet, for others, it’s a more profound decision, one that involves relinquishing cherished items that once held deep significance. As a collector of music memorabilia, I’ve grappled (and am still grappling!) with this dilemma myself.

 My journey into collecting was fuelled by a passion for music and a desire to connect with the artists who shaped my youth. In my teenage years, relics from contemporary bands like Oasis—12” promo records, concert posters, tickets, and autographs—served as tangible links to a cherished era. But as time passed and life took its course, the fervor that once drove me began to wane. I found myself stepping away from
collecting, opting instead to explore new horizons.

 

However, fate had other plans in store for me. In my mid-thirties, with resources garnered from dealing in music memorabilia, I found myself presented with an opportunity unlike any other: the chance to acquire Noel Gallagher’s (Oasis) personally owned and used guitars. These were the very instruments that had crafted the soundtracks of my youth, the albums that had defined a generation. And so, guided by a mixture of nostalgia and ambition, I embarked on a quest to assemble one of the most comprehensive collections of Oasis guitars in the world.

Yet, as I immersed myself in the world of high-stakes deals and coveted artifacts, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. The thrill of the chase had become overshadowed by a sense of burden, as the weight of ownership began to outweigh the joy of possession. It was then that I realized: that true fulfillment could not be found in these material possessions alone. And so, I made the decision to let go, though this was by no means an easy journey to take; in fact, I am still on it. Most collectors will know that it’s easier to buy than it is to sell, in practical terms and emotionally.

Spring brings with it a season of renewal, a time for shedding the old and embracing the new. But, for collectors like myself, letting go is far from easy. As I reflect on my journey—from flicking through old auction catalogs as a child to gracing the halls of prestigious auction houses as a dealer—I am reminded of the bittersweet nature of collecting. What once ignited a flame of passion within me now serves as a reminder of the passage of time and the evolution of interests.

The pieces that once held pride of place in my collection now sit gathering dust, relics of a bygone era. As I slowly begin to part ways with them, I am struck by a sense of liberation in releasing these objects, I am also releasing myself from the constraints of nostalgia and expectation. I am free to forge new connections, to explore new passions, and to embrace the ever-changing landscape of collecting. By no means am I finished with collecting, though by letting go of some pieces that hold a lot of symbolism, I am freed up to create a more authentic relationship with how I engage with the quest of collecting.

One of my new passions is the creation of a trading card publishing company, Iconic Cards (shameless plug, sorry), and the first collection of cards we will be producing is a collection of Oasis trading cards, a new and exciting way for me to engage with one of my favorite bands while actually creating my own collectible, very exciting.

But amidst the process of letting go, there lingers a bittersweet reminder of those items that slipped through my fingers – the ones that got away. Like battle scars, these missed opportunities serve as enduring reminders of the risks and rewards of the collector’s journey. From Prince’s stage-used Cloud guitar that eluded my grasp to the countless other treasures that slipped through my fingers, each loss has left its mark.

Yet, in the pain of these missed opportunities lies a valuable lesson: the importance of seizing the moment and making the most of every opportunity that comes our way. As I look back on my journey as a collector, I am reminded that it is not the objects themselves that define us, but rather the experiences and memories they evoke. And so, as I bid farewell to one chapter of my collecting journey, I do so with gratitude for the lessons learned and excitement for the adventures that lie ahead. For though these artifacts may be gone, they are most certainly not forgotten.

 

 

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Laurence Carpenter is one of the leading music memorabilia collectors and dealers in the world. He also curates pieces for the Grammy Museum, has been featured on British television and radio programs, and specializes in representing musicians, collectors, and their estates in the sale of their archives to research institutions and museums. Carpenter lives in Ireland where he is the Founder and Managing Director of Rock Solid Investments. He has been a passionate collector, dealer, and investor of culturally important mussic memorabilia for over 30 years. If you’re considering buying or selling an item but are uncertain about the next steps, please don’t hesitate to reach out by email at laurence@popicons.com or at his website: RockSolidInvestments.ie