Christian Bach, a 44-year-old German autograph enthusiast, has built an impressive collection of over 10,000 signatures from both famous and lesser-known figures. However, he believes that autographs are slowly fading into obscurity. As the head of Germany’s autograph collectors club, Bach has witnessed firsthand how the art of collecting signatures has been overshadowed by the rise of selfies and social media.
In his view, social media platforms are a significant factor driving this shift. “Interest in the signature has been lost,” Bach explains. He notes that in the past, people would eagerly flip through their photo albums to relive memories of meetings with stars. Today, however, the constant stream of images on smartphones has led to a decline in the desire for physical mementos like autographs.
While Bach still collects photographs from his encounters with celebrities, he insists on having others take the pictures, preferring not to engage in selfies. “I don’t like it. You usually look stupid on a selfie,” he confesses, reflecting the growing sentiment that the selfie culture often results in less flattering, more impersonal photos.
Bach’s passion for autograph collecting began in 1993 when he received his first autograph by mail, a signed photograph from Pierre Littbarski, a member of Germany’s national football team. Littbarski was part of the squad that won the 1990 World Cup and also played in the 1982 and 1986 tournaments, where Germany was a runner-up. This first piece of memorabilia sparked Bach’s fascination with collecting autographs, a hobby he has pursued ever since.
Despite the shift towards digital media, Bach remains dedicated to his collection. He acknowledges that the trend is changing but feels that autographs will always hold a special place for collectors like him, even as the younger generation turns to more instant forms of connection with celebrities through social media and selfies. Still, Bach is aware that the autograph culture he cherishes is fading, and he laments that the value and significance of a handwritten signature are being diminished in the age of the smartphone.
READ MORE: