Celebrating National Collectors’ Day – Arts & Collections

By Pune Media On Aug 18, 2025

The practice of collecting, whether it’s coins, books, stamps, memorabilia or art continues to thrive in the UK, with over 20 million people dedicated to curating a collection according to Hornby Hobbies and Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s. Now the two iconic heritage brands have teamed up to announce National Collectors’ Day – an annual event on 20th August to celebrate the enduring passion for collecting and the stories behind every collection.

To support this initiative, Hornby Hobbies and Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s commissioned a major research study into collecting in the UK. Conducted in December 2024, the study surveyed over 3,000 adults to explore motivations, behaviours, and trends within the modern collecting community.

With one in four UK adults identifying as collectors, the hobby has become a significant part of UK culture, valued at an impressive £15 billion. Despite the rise of digital entertainment, collecting remains a deeply personal and satisfying activity that provides nostalgia, personal achievement, and a sense of connection to history.

The Power of Collecting

Collecting isn’t just about acquiring things. It’s driven by emotion, nostalgia and moments that spark curiosity.

• 60% of collectors begin before the age of 24, often spurred by family, gifts or formative childhood experiences.
• Stamp collecting often starts early, with over half of collectors beginning before age 12 – many inspired by a parent, especially their father.
• More than half of collectors say a gift or family influence set them on their path.
• While men are more likely to be long-time collectors, 61% of female collectors have only started in the past five years, signalling a new wave of interest.
• Women are also significantly more likely to collect books than men (55% vs 42%), showing a strong connection between collecting and storytelling.

The financial commitment to collecting is not to be underestimated. On average, collectors in the UK spend £15,000 on building and maintaining their collections:

• Hornby model railway customers often spend nearly double that amount on their collections.
• Coin collectors – especially those within the Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s community – spend up to five times the average.

This significant spending demonstrates the passion and dedication behind the hobby, with collectors investing not just time but substantial sums in acquiring, preserving, and displaying their treasures.

Collectors are not just seeking material possessions – they’re pursuing personal satisfaction, knowledge, and a sense of reward. Key findings show that:

• Collecting provides personal nostalgia and mental stimulation, with items often holding emotional significance.
• Collectors enjoy time alone, curating their collections, and feel immense pride in the knowledge they’ve gained about their items.
• Interestingly, many collectors are not focused on the financial value of their collections, with the enjoyment of the process far outweighing any financial considerations.

Trends and Interests

Collecting in the UK is both diverse and ever-evolving:

• Books and coins are the most common collecting interests, with books being the top choice for both men and women across all age groups.
• Men are particularly drawn to watches and diecast models, while model railways are a key interest within the Hornby Hobbies community.
• eBay, online auctions, and direct sellers are central to today’s buying habits, while secondary markets have become just as crucial as primary markets in shaping collectors’ access to items.
• Digital platforms have globalised collecting, creating vibrant online communities where enthusiasts share insights and trades, connecting collectors across borders.

National Collectors’ Day, on 20th August will be a chance to celebrate this timeless hobby, inviting both seasoned collectors and those just starting their journeys to share their stories and treasures. It’s a day to reflect on the power of collecting to bring people together, across generations and interests.

Hornby Hobbies and Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s invite all collectors to join in the celebrations and embrace the joy of discovering, collecting, and preserving history. With strong spending commitments and a rich, diverse collecting community, it’s clear that collecting is not only thriving today, but poised to continue shaping the future.

For more information on National Collectors’ Day visit