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THE MAGAZINE ABOUT FIREWORKS FOR 40 YEARS
Read here before ordering/subscribing
Fireworks is published
in
February and July.
Annual subscription
(two
issues), by cheque,
is £10
(£14 Europe; £18 outside Europe)
Online - postage
charge applies.
Fireworks, PO Box 40
Bexhill TN40 1GX
News
10 September 2010
New material on Firework-Ads Web Site. What's it all about?
Martin Weselby has, for years, been compiling a major collection of firework advertisements from newspapers, magazines and comics. and has added to it a fascinating selection of trade adverts.
As his homepage indicates:
'A lifelong enjoyment of fireworks led me to start collecting memorabilia relating to the great British firework manufacturers which I remember with much enthusiasm from the garden displays of my childhood in the 1960’s and 70’s. There was always a huge build up to the annual Guy Fawkes Night celebrations with fireworks first appearing in shops in late September and promptly disappearing again after November 5th. Counters would appear in virtually every newsagent and toy shop crammed with colourful, carefully designed fireworks of all shapes and sizes, with evocative names such as Humming Spider; Witches Cauldron; Banshee; Mine of Serpents; Barrel of Demons; Crackling Torch and Little Terror! ...'
'As my collection of firework memorabilia grew, I noticed I had built up quite a collection of the adverts for fireworks which appeared in comics, newspapers and magazines to accompany the annual celebrations. I remembered several of these well and decided to try to build up my collection as they are a good aid to dating fireworks, boxes, etc., and also portray a great social history. At this time I never realised just how many there were to collect and my collection grew until today I have over 500. There are still approximately 20 adverts which I know about but have not been able to find and I am sure there are quite a few additional adverts to be found.'
Martin would like help to fill in the (very few) gaps in his collection.
Spend a while poring over the adverts of the past and enjoy the fruits of Martin's labours. You may even have some of the items Martin is missing. If so, he would be glad to hear from you.
The website has been designed by Fireworks (magazine).
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