Badge Collection

[Michael Leigh]

I've always enjoyed finding badges to pin to my lapel. As far back as the 60's in art school I can remember aking my own - usually from card with a simple safety pin sellotaped to the back. I think the first was an ironic Bert Weedon Fan Club badge ( Bert was a popular guitarist famous for his pamphlet "Play In A Day" ) . Began finding other badges and brooches in junk shops and flea markets. Hazel and Archie collect them too so between us have quite a varied selection from advertising, pop and rock, political, children's, souvenirs etc. Then from 1980's onwards the occasional mail art badge turned up - we even designed and made some ourselves usually with the help of Mark Pawson and his badge making machine.

[Michael Leigh]

Thanks MomKat,  Nice wacky stamps!

[Katerina Nikoltsou (MomKat)]

A fabulous collection, 'never collected these, except for a few political ones years ago.

Did have many "artistamps" from "Wacky Stuff" that i continue to use in mail art:

[Michael Leigh]

Thanks Bradford.  Lost count of all the mail art badges we have made over the years - must run into the thousands.

[Bradford]

I ordered hundreds of badges (pins) from one of our own, now retired graphic artist known as "wackystuff".  His company was called, "Ephemera" (one of my favorite words) 25 years ago when I placed my order.  One of my favorites was, "JESUS IS COMING / LOOK BUSY".