I started collecting matchcovers in 2016. 

 

Like so many designers, I love printed ephemera. I’ve always enjoyed going to antique stores to sift through old books, posters, zines and other small, printed pieces.

 

During one of my visits, I found a box filled with hundreds of old matchbooks from various cities across North America. I bought the entire box and spent the next few days looking through them; I was drawn to the charming typography, illustrations and creative uses of colour and overprinting.

 

 

After that, I became really interested in learning about phillumeny, which is the term for collecting match-related items. I started actively seeking out matchcovers and purchasing from other collectors. Since then, my collection has grown a lot, but I’m still constantly wowed by the countless beautiful covers that I come across.

 

 

On a more general note, many of my family members are also into collecting stuff; it’s safe to say they’ve influenced my appreciation for collecting and preservation!

 

 

For such a small item, they pack a lot of punch. 

 

There are so many wonderful examples of custom typography and illustrations, unexpected colour palettes and stunning wordmarks and logos from businesses that are long defunct. It’s interesting how matchbooks, which were so common and disposable, are sometimes the only artifacts that remain from a place.

 

 

I’m also impressed by the creative ways designers have worked with the form of the matchbook or matchbox. Sometimes I’ll come across a matchbox with a patterned or typographic striker. Sometimes the graphic spans across the entire exterior, turning the matchcover into a miniature billboard. Sometimes there’s printing on the matchsticks themselves. It’s also a nice treat finding a map or illustration tucked away on the interior. For me, finding these details is one of my favourite parts of collecting matchbooks and matchboxes.