Collector's Exhibition 2
In 2018, the trio — Gholam Abed, Md Robiul Islam, and Shakil Huq — tried their hand on a pilot project where each showcased their respective 'higher calling' for a pastime. With the phenomenal success of the first event to inspire them, the three are now set to present their second showcase, 'Collector's Exhibition 2', which not only promises to overcome the limitations that they faced the previous year, but also hopes to provide something unprecedented in the exhibiting circle.
The three are no strangers to the vibrant collectors' community in the city, and each have an accomplished career to boast. Yet, what ties the airline pilot, an interior designer, and an accomplished accountant is their passion for collectibles.
With a view to promote the study, "and not just accumulating them", they are about to present once again their own philosophies, and promoting hobbies all the way.
The previous exhibition saw Gholam Abed showcasing his stamps; Md Robiul Islam presenting his coins and bank notes; and Shakil Huq — his matchboxes.
"Our first venture was to introduce hobbies to the new generation of people," said Abed, while discussing this year's venture over a cup of coffee. "Our ultimate goal is still the same, but the presentation is more structured," he added.
"Previously, my display was more of a teaser, a wide spectrum that is philately, the pursuit of collecting stamps. This time around, the basic offering is still there — something that will appeal to the masses, but there will also be plenty for the advanced collectors — philatelists," said Gholam Abed, who has won several international awards for his stamp exhibits.
Md Robiul Islam reiterated their unanimity as far as their ultimate goal is concerned.
Last year, it was his successful display that traced the evolution of currency; metallic, paper, or otherwise, that emerged as the largest exhibit amongst the three and the biggest crowd-puller.
Anticipating a larger crowd and number of visitors, this year they have moved to the third floor of the Drik Gallery with larger space,which they feel will allow them to do justice to their new displays.
The previous attempt was more like 'testing the grounds' and now that they are confident, the trio are not only enthusiastic, but also somewhat obligated to grow into something larger. They express their hope that the entire event will give the visitors a feel of a 'museum'. Shakil Huq, elaborated —
"The reaction that we had received last year inspired us to go for additional space for Collector's Exhibition 2. Each of our displays have been augmented since, and we have given more effort on the aesthetics of the presentation. The purpose of this is not only to show the latest additions to our collections, but also to make the whole experience seem new to even visitors who attended the previous show," said Huq.
Gholam Abed intervened —
"If I may add," he said, "Our collective goal is different from other organisers. We are trying to promote collectibles, and not necessarily limited to what we have been collecting our entire lives. Stamp is my language, as coins are for Robiul Islam, and matchboxes are for Shakil Huq.
"The three of us feel that a constructive pursuit — any hobby — can help people enjoy life to the fullest. It has the power to keep youngsters preoccupied and preventing them from going astray."
The purpose of the entire endeavour becomes clear as the exhibitors hope that the show will continue to grow bigger with every consecutive effort, and perhaps, that is how it should be.
They are committed, and as years pass, they are confident that the principles of collecting will become more clear to the general public, and the audience will be able to appreciate displays of the highest levels. Yet, every year they want to reserve some space for the newbies, because unless new blood is injected into the collecting fraternity, perhaps, no hobby can flourish.
By Mannan Mashhur Zarif
ROBIUL'S METALLURGY
Perhaps, one of the most accomplished presenter in the community, Robiul Islam is a crowd favourite with his modern notes, and coins in myriad shapes, sizes, and material. His section is a crowd-puller and this time will not be any different.
The focus is now more on the gems of his collection; the early coinage of the world, particularly the coins of this region — a story spanning over two millennia.
Md Robiul Islam's approach to coin is in its evolution, and while you may relish on the novelty factor of his collection, do not miss the roots.
THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR ABED'S PAPER CHASE
Gholam Abed has been collecting stamps all his life, and has received numerous international accolades. Visitors who wish to understand the finer aspects of stamp collecting will find enough depth in the section where his award winning exhibits of revenue stamps of Bangladesh will be shown.
This of course, does not mean that other sections do not have special offerings. But, if you want to see how one of the best collectors of revenue stamps in Bangladesh treats the subject, this is your opportunity!
SHAKIL'S MATCHBOXES
If the last year can serve as any indication, Shakil Huq's display of matchboxes will once again be a firecracker.
Phillumeny — the pursuit of collecting match boxes —has passed its glory days, but in our country, much to the efforts of Huq, it has seen a beginning.
This year, apart from his strength, which is pieces of matchbox history, Shakil is attempting to design new material numbering over 40 that will uphold the topics and heritage, along with international themes. As he puts them, "they are miniature history."
And if you thought that would be all, for the first time the trio has given the effort to maintain a hobby corner where visitors will be able to purchase material that can serve as a starting point for future enthusiasts.
Collector's Exhibition 2 will be held at Drik, House # 58, Road #15A (New)/Old 26, Dhanmondi R/A between Thursday, 21 March, 2019 and Monday, 25 March, 2019. The inauguration will take place on Thursday, 6:30PM, 21 March, 2019. Regular sessions are between 12PM and 8PM.
Comments