“Collectors tend to share a lot of qualities. That’s probably no surprise. The same can be said of those who populate the same professional fields. Collectors, however, are driven. They are driven by a powerful and often all-consuming love for a particular subject. Virtually all the ones I’ve encountered can narrow the birth of their particular interest to one incident in their lives. From that moment on, it becomes their passion.
Tom Fontaine, of Indianapolis, Indiana, (a fact of which he is particularly proud) is a truly passionate collector. His love of cinema, television and, above all, rock and roll, has propelled him to assemble one of the most impressive personal collections I’ve ever encountered. One thing that sets Tom apart from many other great collectors is his ability to locate items. Many of the pieces he’s collected came through building relationships with the participants of historic cultural events. That’s no easy feat. It takes clear honesty and a lack of guile to eliminate the sort of suspicion that many collectors face.
Tom has lovingly collected over the years, I hope you’ll enjoy this collection as much I did the when I saw it in person.”
~ Howard Kramer
Writer, historian and former Curatorial Director of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
“I have known Tom for a number of years now and having seen his collection I can safely say it is one of the most well curated collections of memorabilia I have seen. There are some truly amazing pieces in there which he has carefully acquired over the many years he has been involved in the industry. During his years of collecting he has amassed a mountain of knowledge and I would have no hesitation in classifying him in the “expert” category.”
~ Paul Fairweather
Auctioneer and Owner
Omega Auctions Ltd
“Tom’s rich collection spans the decades and represents popular music icons that cross generations. His artifacts are steeped in content and are great catalysts for intergenerational sharing.”
~ Sheila Riley
Former Director of Collections — Children’s Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana
“I have known Tom Fontaine for over 10 years. He has always been my “Go-To” when my own research comes to a dead-end. His knowledge and personal collection are second to none but above this, his integrity and honesty in a market-genre that is very sadly lacking, is a shining light, I’d recommend to anyone wanting genuine and historical artifacts from pop culture, to make Tom Fontaine their first call.”
~ James Wilkinson
The Fame Bureau and Artist In Residence Hylands House- PAINTPOP Studio, Chelmsford
“In thirty years, you get to know what makes a person tick. I found out that passion and obsession can be good things as in the case of Thomas J. Fontaine. As Tom’s music engineer and friend, I’ve witnessed many of his amazing finds. Yes, Tom is a memorabilia collector, true, but much more than that, he is a curator and caretaker. His instincts are uncanny when it comes to securing items of merit and value. He’s had in his possession personal belongings and artifacts that are unique and dare I say it — priceless. I commend his dedication and understanding of our precious, ever-changing pop culture landscape. His expertise and commitment to the art of collecting is unmatched. I thank Tom for taking me on this treasure hunt and adventure. I’m glad to have shared some of this amazing journey. Now it’s your turn!”
~ Steven H. Creech
Sound Investment Recording Engineer, Nashville, Tn.
“”Imagine owning a collection of 30 original drawings and writings by John Lennon purchased from three independent well-known U.S. dealers — and then discover that all but one are fakes. That’s exactly what happened! ”
“Who can you trust?
Rock & Roll collector and historian Tom Fontaine examined the same original drawing by John Lennon and was proven to be 100% correct! – The ink used for the drawing did not exist during the lifetime of John Lennon. Tom Fontaine examined all 30 original drawings by John Lennon in my collection and deemed all but one to be fakes – and was proven to be 100% correct! The first time! The New York FBI Art Crime Team has spent years investigating dealers and confiscating counterfeit inventories and when the U.S. Attorney prosecutes and indicts those who authenticate and distribute these fakes — I believe that Tom Fontaine will be the last man standing! I have 30 good reasons to trust Tom Fontaine.””
~ David Petersen
Wisconsin Collector