Shakil huq - Bangladesh

 

Hello, this is Shakil Huq. I have been collecting matchboxes since childhood, and I am also a matchbox designer. So far, I have designed over 500 matchboxes. Since 2016, I have been the President of the Bangladesh Matchbox Collectors Club (BMCC), the first and only matchbox collectors' club in Bangladesh. In this exhibition, I am showcasing matchboxes featuring British pub signs. I hope you will like it.

British Pub Signs on Matchboxes:

Tetley's Brewery, a renowned British beer producer, released a series of collectible matchboxes featuring pub signs. These matchboxes were produced in Belgium and marketed in the UK. Each series typically contained 24 matchboxes, each displaying a different inn sign, reflecting the rich tradition of British pub culture.

Collectors often refer to these matchbox sets by their series letters, such as Series A, B, E, and H. For instance, Series A and Series E each comprise 24 matchboxes, with each box showcasing a unique inn sign associated with Tetley's Brewery. These matchboxes have become popular items among collectors, with complete sets and individual boxes frequently appearing on auction sites and collector forums. The designs not only serve as advertising for Tetley's beer but also celebrate the heritage of British pub signs, making them valuable to enthusiasts of breweriana and tobacciana.

While specific details about the exact production dates and the Belgian manufacturer are limited, the collaboration between Tetley's Brewery and the Belgian producer highlights a unique cross-cultural marketing effort, distributing these collectibles primarily within the UK market. According to many collectors, the Tetley's pub sign series matchboxes were likely released in the late 1980s or early 1990s, designed with a retro feel to preserve British pub culture from the 1950s to 1970s.

The design and advertising strategy were primarily aimed at evoking nostalgia among people and honoring the pub signs of that era. For more detailed information, it might be useful to consult collectors or the archives of Tetley's Brewery.

The History of British Pub Signs:

The history of British pub signs is both ancient and rich. These signs have been in use since the Middle Ages when literacy among the general population was low. Symbols or images were used to identify pubs, allowing people to easily recognize them.

History:

The tradition of using pub signs in Britain began during the Roman era. When the Romans came to Britain, they marked their taverns (called "tabernae") with symbols such as grapevines or hanging bunches of grapes. After the Romans left, this practice continued and became more widespread during the Middle Ages.

Reasons Behind Naming:

The names of pubs were influenced by various factors:

• Political and Historical Events: Many pubs were named after kings, queens, or historical figures, such as "The King's Head" or "The Queen's Arms."
• Religious Symbols: Some pubs were named after religious symbols or saints, like "The Cross Keys" or "St. George."
• Local Trades or Animals: Some pubs were named after local professions or animals, like "The Blacksmith's Arms" or "The Red Lion."
• Natural Elements: Others drew inspiration from nature or local scenery, such as "The Oak Tree" or "The Sun Inn."

Pub signs are not just identifiers; they reflect the local culture, history, and society. While they have evolved over time, they remain an important part of British heritage. British pub signs are more than just markers of drinking establishments—they are a reflection of Britain's history, culture, and traditions.

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