Why a counter still matters
Photographs can hide a lot. Standing in front of a framed piece lets you judge the colour of the ink, the quality of the mount, whether the glazing is scratched and how big the display really is on a wall. Many buyers who arrive with a specific name in mind leave with something different because they saw the frame in person.
A shop also gives you a person to talk to. You can ask how an item came in, what the certificate covers and what happens if you ever have doubts, and hear the answers face to face rather than in an email thread.
What to look for in any shop you visit
Whichever shop you end up in, a few signs separate a serious dealer from a stall selling decorations. Look for clear labelling of what is hand signed and what is printed, a written guarantee that outlasts the day of purchase, and staff who can talk about the item rather than simply the price.
- Prices and descriptions on display, not quoted on request only
- A named person standing behind each certificate
- Honest labelling of printed photographs within montages
- A fixed address you can return to if a question comes up later
- No pressure to decide on the spot
What you will find at 87 Princes Street
Our stock covers sport, film, music, television and vintage signatures, mostly presented as framed displays ready to hang. Football, boxing and classic film tend to take up the most wall space, with comedy favourites and music legends alongside them. Stock changes as pieces sell, so the website is the most up-to-date list of what is on the shop floor.
Whatever you buy from us arrives with the WDW Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Derek Warwick, and it remains valid for as long as you own the item.
Reserving a piece before you travel
If you have seen something online and want to look at it before paying, get in touch through the contact page and mention the item. Click & Collect lets you buy online and pick the piece up from the shop, which saves on delivery and lets you check it over at the counter.
When the shop is too far away
Most of our customers never visit. For them, clear photographs, full descriptions and the same certificate do the job the counter would. Items leave us well packed and tracked, at the £25 UK flat rate. We do not send parcels outside the UK.
If you are comparing us with a shop closer to home, the checklist above works just as well for them. A good local dealer and a good online dealer should pass the same tests.
Need a straight answer on a specific piece?
Send photographs and we'll give you an honest opinion — whether you're buying, selling or simply curious. You can also visit us at 87 Princes Street, Southend-on-Sea, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm.