General James McDivitt at Autographica 11. His
first UK signing, and quite possibly his last, sad to say: he announced that this visit was a one-off at
dinner on Saturday night.
A true hero and real crowd pleaser: space-walker General Alexei Leonov at the same event.
Moonwalker Colonel David Scott. Autographica 11
was his first UK autograph show: he proved a very popular attraction.
Capt. James Lovell, accepting a fragment of lunar meteorite in March 2007. He joked that he'd been to the Moon twice, but "I never got my hands on any before!"
You can buy a piece by clicking HERE
Fred Haise at the same event. Just a real thrill
to meet this Apollo 13 legend! Easy to chat with,
especially on the subject of the Hollywood
version of his dramatic spaceflight!
Col Al Worden is a true gentleman who definitely
enjoys the company of the ladies! But he is just the most genuine person you could meet:
tireless in his fund-raising efforts, and with a
cheerful word for everybody!
Capt Alan Bean was kind enough to spend half
an hour chatting with me about painting! He
was extremely complimentary about my efforts, and told me that he uses small figures with
ball-bearing heads as models to achieve the correct lighting! A really gracious and friendly man!
Col Buzz Aldrin, dressed for dinner!
Obviously a true 20th Century hero, Aldrin
is respected by everyone who meets him.
Like most of the Astronauts we've met, he
is in amazing shape for a man of his age!
Capt. Gene Cernan: the last human to walk on
the Moon. I found him approachable, dignified
and fascinating to listen to! Another perfect
gentleman.
Salizhan Sharipov has spent over 400
hours in space and served as Director of
Operations, Russian Space Agency, at the
Johnson Space Center, Houston.
A really charming and entertaining man.
Col Anatolij Arciebarskij at Autographica 9.
He was a quiet, dignified person, who spoke
frankly (via his interpreter!) about the fear of
being stranded in space during the turmoils
of the attempted 1991 coup.
Scott Carpenter who flew the second American manned orbital flight on May 24, 1962.
A charming and urbane man: dignified and
fascinating to talk to.
Prime Crew! Not customers any more: just
best mates! Paul Williams, Andy Sprigg & me!
Roll on October 2008! Click HERE for details!