About The Society

The Society currently has in excess of 200 members, several from overseas and growing all the time.  Established in 1995  by Juliette Edwards as a result of interest in her privately-published book on British compacts, it is chaired by Juliette with the assistance of an enthusiastic executive team.  Juliette is also the author of a book entitled “Powder Compacts – A Collectors Guide”, published by Miller’s in 2000.

One of our aims is to promote the appreciation and collecting of powder compacts and all the many associated items, such as powder boxes and bowls, vanity cases and carry-alls, World War II  and shipping souvenirs compacts, advertisements and other related vintage glamour items and to promote a better understanding of the social history and the changing "faces" and roles of women which these romantic items epitomise.

Our membership comprises dealers and collectors, some who have been collecting for many years and have extensive and beautiful collections and others who have just discovered the fascination of these vintage glamour accessories and maybe just have one or two. Some collectors like to specialise in a certain period, like the Art Deco period of the 20's and 30's for example; some prefer to collect compacts with a particular design or by a particular manufacturer.  Whatever your personal preference there is sure to be something you will want to collect and treasure. Many members also collect other vintage glamour items so you will find handbag enthusiasts. scarf collectors and costume jewellery lovers amongst our members

Another aim is to put collectors in touch with each other and many friendships have resulted from our membership of BCCS.

We issue 4 newsletters a year, containing news and contributions from members and we hold an annual convention in the U.K. in the autumn, as well as smaller local mini conventions and some coffee morning groups.  Previous conventions have been held in Bristol, Windsor, Solihull, Blackpool, Slough and Warrington, Cheltenham.