‘I don’t like crisps, but I collect the packets’
British Broadcasting CorporationA man who collects vintage crisp packaging and memorabilia says he doesn’t actually like the snacks.
Frank Munford, 70, of Lincoln, started collecting five years ago.
As well as packaging from long-gone brands such as Tudor crisps, he also has limited-edition mugs, crisp Advent calendars and Walker jackets.
“I’ve never seen any other crisp packet collectors,” Mr Mountford said. “I would, so we could exchange information and maybe data packets.”
Mr Munford owns more than 100 crisp packets, the oldest of which date back to the early seventies. He described the collections as “part of society’s history.”
The feeling of “chasing” and completing a set keeps his hobby alive.
However, despite devoting so much time to his collection, Mr Mountford said he was not a fan of eating crisps.
If he had to pick a favorite flavor, it would be cheese and onions.
Among the more unusual items in his collection are a complete set of Tudor “Flutter-Byes” – butterfly brooches, which customers can request from the company.
“You’d have to eat 240 packets of crisps to claim that,” he said.
Mr Mumford, who belongs to a collectors’ club in Lincoln, said his friends were “encouraged” by his concise outline.
His wife, Pam, is also supportive. Mrs Mumford said: “I’m so proud of him, so proud of what he’s achieved and what he’s done over the years.”
“The family grew up with his collection,” she added. “It’s just Dad.”
Mr Mumford said his collection “will never end” because “I can’t help myself”.
He urged other collectors to be proud of their hobby and not be embarrassed.
“Don’t be a closet collector, come out,” he added.
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