The National Angling Exhibition of 1959

This little gem was tucked away in the back of a plain manila folder. A 24-page brochure for The Fourth National Angling Exhibition, held in the Great Hall, Alexandra Palace, London April-May 1959. 

Upon opening, four rarely seen B James of Ealing paper leaflets fell out, what we call a bonus buy! Three list B. James Hand Built rods and one recommends a range of J W Young of Redditch reels to suit the above. Both these companies and many more exhibited at the event held over a 6 day period.

Present to greet you upon arrival was Miss Joan Swift of Sheffield, the 3rd National Angling Queen, and hostess of the exhibition. A welcome attraction having driven 200 miles in your Ford Anglia or taken 3 buses, a train, and a long trek to attend.

However, when browsing the exhibitor list of retailers and angling press stands something was amiss. Where were the big London names? No Hardy, or Farlow, Ogden Smith, Army and Navy. Other than B James and few others the companies were all Midland and northern-based and exhibiting in the London catchment area. Was this a raiding party?

Most were coarse fishing specialists and perhaps it was the opinion of the Royal Appointment companies it was beneath them to appear.

Whatever the reason, they provide interesting reading and this micro collection will be appearing in the Thomas Turner online catalogue shortly.