THE INTERNATIONAL BOSSONS COLLECTORS SOCIETY The formation of The International Bossons Collectors Society began with a request in 1980 by Mr. W. Ray Bossons for Dr. Robert Davis to consider creating a Bossons collectors club. It was in 1981 that Dr. Davis, after some consideration and having been assured of full support from the Bossons Co., accepted the invitation to form a society. On October 21, 1981, a document of incorporation was drawn up and approved by the State of Georgia. Beginning with a small number of collectors with whom Dr. Davis had been in correspondence, charter membership was initiated in 1981. The first copy of the society newsletter, a simple photocopied narrative, was mailed on September 30, 1982. Its purpose was to assist collectors in increasing their knowledge of Bossons artware and provide a medium of exchange for new and discontinued models. It also allowed for a central link of communication, which at that time was not available, so as to enhance the collectors access to discontinued pieces. Improved financial status of the Society made possible full color printing of the newsletter Bossons Briefs as a quarterly publication. Recipients are kept up-to-date on happenings in the Bossons world including photos of new discoveries, photos from members showing how they display their collections, a bartering section where members can buy or swap hard-to-find pieces and much, much more. The first annual meeting of The International Bossons Collectors Society was held at the Airport Marriott Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 2-4th, 1986. Thus began deep friendships that continue to this date. With an atmosphere much like that of a family reunion, members meet each year to renew those friendships and boast of acquisitions in the previous twelve-month period. Artware is swapped, bought, sold and auctioned. Traditions were established and the meetings continued to improve. Other host cities have been San Francisco, Victoria - B.C., New Orleans, Orlando, St. Louis, San Diego, Baltimore, Burbank, Nashville, Seattle, Tampa, Las Vegas and Phoenix. The 21st Annual Meeting is scheduled for May of 2006 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. About 100 to 125 collectors attend the annual meetings, some from as far away as England, South Africa, Canada, Mexico and Australia. New members are welcomed and warmly received. In addition to an opportunity to socialize, the events provide educational talks, presentations, an auction, a members swap and shop, an evening banquet and several other activities. A unique aspect of the Bossons Society is that most, if not all other collectors clubs, are organized and run by the manufacturer themselves simply as another marketing tool. The International Bossons Collectors Society is totally independent from W.H. Bossons Ltd. both financially and otherwise. The IBCS can boast of a total membership exceeding 3300 members from twenty-two countries since its inception. The present active membership is approximately 385 folks, each with a uniting thread – the love of Bossons artware. Annual dues are $45. If you wish additional information or would like to join the IBCS, Norman Derocher the current President/Executive Director would love to hear from you. You can visit the
Society's website at: |