About Us

Founded in 1975 by the designer, photographer and writer Maurice Rickards (1919-1998), the Ephemera Society champions the very special contribution made by ephemera to an understanding of our past. Dedicated to the collection, conservation, study and educational use of ephemera, the society’s fairs, journal, blogs and website provide opportunities for collectors and researchers to share their expertise and enthusiasm.

The membership includes amateurs, collectors, dealers, academics and institutions. Approaches to ephemera are many and varied.

Our Pepys logo pays tribute to the celebrated diarist, Samuel Pepys (1633-1703). Probably the first ‘general ephemerist’, Pepys included in his collection trade cards, board games, labels, ballads and other street literature. The Society’s Pepys medal, for excellence in ephemera studies, has been awarded to 16 recipients.

Our Constitution is here.

The Ephemera Society Council

Chair: Professor Dickon Weir-Hughes
Membership Secretary: Polly Harte
Editor of The Ephemerist: Sara Chapman
Secretary: Osmantan Erkir
Treasurer and Web Master: Stephen Oxlade

Council members without designated office: Malcolm Warrington, Julie Anne Lambert, Anne Stephens, Tim Sumner, Kiki Werth

President Emeritus: Professor Michael Twyman RIP

All roles are voluntary and we are actively seeking new members.  The Ephemera Society  is a non-profit body