Exhibit : Matchorama Aristocrat, by Universal Match
My collecting of bookmatches started, possibly, like other collectors did by collecting bookmatches that were free in various businesses. These were often found on the edges of ashtrays on bars, hotel reception desks and the like. I collected this way for many years until I read an article in the press that a meeting of phillumenists was being held in Croydon, Surrey. This was in 1995.
I attended the meeting and was amazed at the vast array and quantity of bookmatches, labels, skillets and ARTB’s. It was from this meeting that I decided to specialise in collecting only Bryant & May from the various factories/countries. I also made the decision to only collect complete, unstruck bookmatches.
I have been a member of the Society since then and President of the BML&BS since 2011.
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