Matchbox labels can be miniature works of art

SIR – The replacement of wooden matchboxes by cardboard ones was a sad day for phillumenists as well as model-makers (“Telegraph helps matchstick man keep his model hobby shipshape”, report, August 23). Collecting the printed labels, some minor works of art, kept many a child occupied – soaking them off, putting them in order, and learning from their advertisements. I still have mine.

Philatelists probably feel the same way about the boring postage pre-printed on letters, which is now replacing colourful stamps, but at least Royal Mail keeps up interest with special issues.

Peter Saunders

Salisbury, Wiltshire

Striking: the label for a box of Japanese matches from the early 20th century