Exhibitor : Ian Macilwain
The appeal of matchbox label collecting for me has always been derived from the way in which different countries and cultures represent the same thing.
The style, colour, use of a particular font and level of complexity all reveal something of the national psyche condensed into an extremely small space.
Choosing a subject to demonstrate this was difficult but national costume is a common theme, reflected by the French in a simple classic design and by the Poles in a colourful rhythm as if dancing.
I have many other countries in my collection but for this Exhibition I have chosen those which most appealed to me. I hope they capture your imagination as they did mine. Click on an image below to enlarge it and see the national costumes of each Country.
East German matchbox labels
Swiss matchbox labels
Belgian matchbox labels
Chinese matchbox labels
Dutch matchbox labels
Spanish matchbox skillets
Italian matchbox skillets
Austrian matchbox labels