Other collecting
What is it?     What you need     Getting started     Find out more

 

Home
Active sport
Arts & crafts
Hobbies & pastimes
Learning
Volunteering
Index A-Z

 

What is it?

  • You can make a collection of almost anything that takes your fancy, and get much interest and fun from doing so.  Two of the most popular types of collecting are collecting antiques (old things) and stamps.  

  • But you can also collect things that are being made now, whether specially for collection (like special china plates and ornaments, and beanie baby toys) or just as part of everyday life (books, plants, pictures, model toys and so on).  

  • There is more information on some of these other types of collecting from the various organisations listed below.  

  • An element of collecting can be associated with other crafts and hobbies like photography and reading books, gardening and nature study.  

Find out more

Organisations

Antique Spectacles Page www.ridings.org.uk/

British Beermat Collectors' Society www.britishbeermats.org.uk  01562 60307
British Cheque Collectors Society  members.xoom.com/_XMCM/bccs/index.html 
Gem Association of Great Britain www.gagtl.ac.uk/

International Playing-Card Society www.pagat.com/ipcs/

Jon Learmouth's Football Memorabilia www.learmouth.com/football_mem/index.htm
toy.co.uk  www.toy.co.uk/ 
Toys of the World  www.byline.co.uk/Ttw/

 Airfix Collectors Club www.djairfix.freeserve.co.uk/

Veteran Car Club of Great Britain  www.vccofgb.co.uk/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club  www.vmcc.net/
Vintage Sports-Car Club  www.vscc.co.uk/intro.htm

 

Magazines

Antiques & Collectables Magazine 
Collect It! 
Collectors Gazette 
Collectors' Mart  www.collectorsmart.co.uk/main.html

Book and Magazine Collector 
Card Times
Picture Postcard Monthly
Coin News  www.coin-news.com/
Coin News


Dolls House & Miniature Scene 

Teddy Bear Scene
Classic Arms & Militaria

Model Collector 
Old Glory 
The Diecast Collector
 
The Automobile 
Classic & Sport Car 
Classic Bike 
Practical Classics & Car Restorer
Tractor & Machinery

Getting started

  • Find a local group or club that covers the type of collectable that interests you (see organisations above).

  • Take a class or course at your local adult education centre or see if your local group runs introductory sessions.

  • Consult books or magazines on different types of collectables.

  • Check in your local library/paper or education centre for more information.

What you need

Skills and people
  • Anyone of any age and either sex can start their own collection and quickly become an expert in their particular area of interest. 

  • Much of the activity of collecting can be done at home on your own, using catalogues, the telephone and the Internet.  But many people enjoy the stimulus and social contact of belonging to a group of people with a similar interest.  

  • This can be a local group, or one linked by mail or Internet contacts. Through membership of a group, enthusiasts can share their enthusiasm, learn about new opportunities and exchange items surplus to their collection.

Equipment or clothing
  • The basic requirements are the things that make up the collection, a minimum of money with which to acquire them, and some place to store them.  

  • Money and storage space need only be small;  it just depends on what you choose to collect.

A place or facilities
  • No special facilities (apart from suitable storage space) are needed.  

  • Groups usually meet in a local hall or room, including sometimes at members homes.

Have a go - get started now 

The content of these pages is copyright (c) Leisure Consultants 2002-14