Micheal Driver releasing new diecast model book - Collecting History

Collecting History brings together the stories, recollections and anecdotes of Michael Driver and Mike Richardson, two lifelong collectors of toys and models. It traces their collecting from early childhood through to their becoming adult collectors and enthusiasts of toys and models. The book is illustrated with period photographs and pictures of a variety of toys and models.

It covers the early post-war days of the 1940s and the first toys to excite their imaginations, the fun of visiting toy shops and buying Dinky Toys and other models. Their childhood games with toys and friends and their growing collections and interest in anything on four wheels.

It recalls life as teenage collectors before the toys were put away and they left home to go to university in Mike’s case and to art college for Michael. They talk about the first collectors clubs, the origins of swapmeets and the changes that have taken place in toy collecting over many years. Both retell stories about their own collecting and what they found in all their searching for that elusive model for their collections.

It is a world away from the toys of today, but hopefully will fascinate young and old, and inspire a new breed of young collectors. It is a fascinating trip down memory lane and will for many of us rekindle memories of childhood. The book will be launched on the 16th November at the Sandown Toy Fair.

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