2026 celebrations – Birthday Weekend 29, 30, 31 May 2026

2026 is an important year for phillumenists. It marks 200 years since the invention of the Friction Match by John Walker in Stockton-on-Tees. The importance of John Walker’s invention to society at large, and also to us as collectors, is immeasurable.

We are planning a whole weekend of events to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the invention of the Friction Match by John Walker of Stockton on Tees in 1826. We have chosen these dates because John Walker was born on 29th May 1781.

The British Matchbox Label and Bookmatch Society intends to celebrate this life-changing invention in a number of ways :

A physical exhibition in Stockton-on-Tees
A members’ meeting with dealer tables and a Grand Auction in Stockton-on-Tees
An on-line exhibition on our web site
Two members’ meals with after-dinner speakers
The premiere of our documentary film about John Walker

Details of the venues are still being worked out, and will be published in our magazine and here on the web site as they become finalised.

If you have information about John Walker that you would like to share with us, or you would like to help with the 2026 celebrations in any way, we would be pleased to hear from you johnwalker2026@phillumeny.com