MuggleNet’s Favorite Memorabilia
The importance of Harry Potter memorabilia can be debated and discussed for hours, but it’s no surprise that many of us here at MuggleNet are avid collectors of these Potter artifacts, with collections ranging in size from a few first-edition books to completely filled bookshelves (and hearts).
I thought of this article idea as I was packing up my belongings to move into a new apartment: I smiled to myself as I stowed away my Potter merch; I carefully tucked my favorites into a box labeled “fragile” ― a Chamber of Secrets snow globe, a Prisoner of Azkaban misprint, and two hand-painted wine glasses from a friend’s bridal shower. Looking over all of my collection made me wonder what everyone else on the team had, so I asked!
Naturally, many said that their most prized possessions are the first set of Potter books that they owned, regardless of how tattered the covers are. You’ve got to admit, there’s nothing better than that nostalgic smell in between the pages of an old copy of your favorite book. For Amy Hogan, Creative Team Co-Manager, that book would be Deathly Hallows:
Just because that was such a pivotal time in my life and I was going through a lot at the time. It helped distract my [12-year-old] mind from some big family drama that may have driven me insane otherwise.
A few of us, like Lizzie Gladwyn and myself from the Creative Team, also collect different editions of the books. Of course, quite a bit of us have received autographs ― even by J.K. Rowling herself (be jealous of Lizzie)!
Jennifer Creevy, a Content Team intern, holds dear her Cursed Child program, which is signed by numerous cast members. The most amazing story I heard came from Haley Lewis, also a Content Team intern, who owns a copy of Sorcerer’s Stone signed by Chris Columbus, Richard Harris, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe:
I actually found this book [at] a second hand [sic] store. But I actually didn’t realize they were there until a few month after buying it, when I decided to flip through it. Which resulted in a lot of screaming and happy dancing on my part.
We also collect some awesome merchandise. Lauren Littler and Mikaela Renshaw, two Creative Team interns, shared their favorites with me ― Lauren prefers her robes and wand, while Mikaela has a “really great owl puppet,” pictured above.
A substantial amount of our collections are things that were given to us by friends, many of which were handmade. Content Team Assistant Manager Beth Warsaw’s friend gave her a painting of a badger for her birthday, and Felicia Grady, our fabulous Senior Copy Editor, received a realistic Daily Prophet at LeakyCon 2014, made by Alohomora! host Michael Harle:
He put so much work into it to make it look authentic, including writing articles and adding graphics, as well as a killer crossword puzzle.
Not everyone has the same idea of “memorabilia,” though ― not all of us are as materialistic as expected, I suppose! There are a few of us that hold ideas, memories, and loved ones closer to our hearts than something purchased. For example, Melissa Graham, Creative Team member, at first said that her favorite piece of memorabilia would be a Hogwarts blanket that her husband gifted her on her birthday but then asked,
Does my husband count as memorabilia since the only reason we met was because of Harry Potter?
Kat Miller, Marketing & Creative Director, went even deeper with this vague comment:
Mine is something that can’t be purchased – is that too obscure?
Take that as you will, and maybe ask yourself… How much do those material goods mean to you? Is it the physical item that means so much, or is it the memories behind that item?
While you’re trying to figure that out, though, why not show us your favorite piece from your collection? Describe it in the comments, or check out our Instagram for a new, soon-to-be-trending hashtag!